Sculpting Intern

Polaris Inc; Medina (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking an on-site Sculpting Intern to contribute to the creative development of future powersports vehicles.

You will work with designers, digital modelers, and engineers to transform sketches into digital and physical models within a fast-paced design studio. You will build sketch models and production‑representative surfaces, supporting reviews and milestones while developing your portfolio in a hands‑on environment.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Model Design, Clay Sculpting, Digital Modeling or Fine Arts.
• Demonstrates clay sculpting and digital modeling capabilities through a curated portfolio showcasing three‑dimensional form development, craftsmanship, and design problem‑solving. Portfolio submissions will only be accepted in PDF format.
• Demonstrates an understanding of design principles, surface development, proportion, and three‑dimensional form creation.
• Experience with digital modeling software such as Alias, Blender, Gravity Sketch, Maya, Rhino, Fusion, NX, or similar 3D modeling tools is required.
• Strong interest in vehicle and industrial design with a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and model‑making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn within a professional design studio environment.
• Able to work onsite and full‑time (40 hours per week) during the internship period.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with digital modelers, clay sculptors and designers to interpret concept sketches and translate them into digital and physical models that communicate future vehicle themes and design direction.
• Utilize digital and clay sculpting techniques to develop sketch models, concept models, and production‑representative surfaces that reflect design intent while considering engineering and manufacturing requirements.
• Support studio model development activities by ensuring accuracy, craftsmanship, and timely delivery of models for design reviews, stakeholder evaluations, and program milestones.
• Participate in design reviews, present work progress, and incorporate feedback to continuously refine digital and physical models.
• Assist with model preparation, studio organization, and other sculpting‑related activities that support the vehicle development process.

Skills

Clay sculpting

Digital modeling

Portfolio development

Team collaboration

Communication

Self-motivation

Detail-oriented

Education

AAS/Bachelor's/Master's in Transportation Design or related field

Tools

Alias

Blender

Gravity Sketch

Maya

Rhino

Fusion 360

NX

Job description

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to Think Outside.

Job Summary

As a Sculpting Intern, you will play an integral role in the creative development of future powersports vehicles. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both digital and clay sculpting within a fast‑paced, collaborative design studio environment. Working alongside designers, digital modelers, clay sculptors, and engineers, you will help transform concept sketches and design themes into digital and physical models to bring innovative concepts to life.

Essential Duties

• Collaborate with digital modelers, clay sculptors and designers to interpret concept sketches and translate them into digital and physical models that communicate future vehicle themes and design direction.
• Utilize digital and clay sculpting techniques to develop sketch models, concept models, and production‑representative surfaces that reflect design intent while considering engineering and manufacturing requirements.
• Support studio model development activities by ensuring accuracy, craftsmanship, and timely delivery of models for design reviews, stakeholder evaluations, and program milestones.
• Participate in design reviews, present work progress, and incorporate feedback to continuously refine digital and physical models.
• Assist with model preparation, studio organization, and other sculpting‑related activities that support the vehicle development process.

Skills, Knowledge & Education

• Currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Model Design, Clay Sculpting, Digital Modeling, Digital Sculpting or Fine Arts.
• Demonstrates clay sculpting and digital modeling capabilities through a curated portfolio showcasing three‑dimensional form development, craftsmanship, and design problem‑solving. Portfolio submissions will only be accepted in PDF format.
• Demonstrates an understanding of design principles, surface development, proportion, and three‑dimensional form creation.
• Experience with digital modeling software such as Alias, Blender, Gravity Sketch, Maya, Rhino, Fusion, NX, or similar 3D modeling tools is required.
• Strong interest in vehicle and industrial design with a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and model‑making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn within a professional design studio environment.
• Able to work onsite and full‑time (40 hours per week) during the internship period.

The salary range for this position is $19.50 to $30.75 per hour. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography.

Important Note

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. All applicants must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and not require sponsorship for employment now or in the future.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $19.50 to $30.75 per hour, plus eligibility for overtime. Individual pay and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range.

To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high‑quality product line‑up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side‑by‑side off‑road vehicles; Sportsman® all‑terrain off‑road vehicles; military and commercial off‑road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot® moto‑roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry‑leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

EEO Statement

Polaris Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment‑related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, or otherwise need assistance or an accommodation in the recruiting process, should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or [e-mail]. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled