Seasonal Test Driver and Mechanic

Polaris Inc.; Pinedale (WY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Minnesota seeks a Seasonal Test Driver/Mechanic to operate snow test vehicles and conduct hands-on maintenance and testing in cold environments. You will collect data, document conditions, and provide objective feedback to the product development team.

The role combines vehicle operation with mechanical work, including inspections, repairs, test-part installations, and data capture. CPR/First Aid and a valid license are required.

Qualifications

• HS diploma required; technical degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of mechanic/technician experience preferred.
• Powersports experience and strong mechanical aptitude required.
• CPR and First Aid training required.
• Valid driver’s license required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to operate snowmobiles in extreme winter conditions for extended periods.
• Experience with data acquisition and diagnostic tools preferred.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Operate Polaris recreational vehicles for extended periods in winter conditions.
• Follow prescribed duty cycles and test requests for thorough vehicle testing.
• Perform vehicle maintenance, inspections, repairs, and test-part installations.
• Use data loggers and diagnostic tools to capture vehicle and test information.
• Complete daily logs documenting operating conditions and test results.
• Analyze performance and provide feedback to product development team.
• Document vehicle conditions with digital photography.
• Maintain safe practices and a clean work area per OSHA.

Skills

Powersports experience

Mechanical aptitude

Data logging

Diagnostics tools

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Two-year technical degree preferred

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Diagnostic tools

Forklifts

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.

Position Overview

The Seasonal Test Driver/Mechanic operates snow test vehicles extensively during the winter months to validate product performance and durability. Working closely with the product development team, you will collect vehicle data, document operating conditions, and provide objective feedback on test results. Combining vehicle operation with hands‑on mechanical work, this role performs inspections, maintenance, repairs, and test‑part installations in indoor and off‑site environments. This position offers direct involvement in winter vehicle testing and product validation under extreme operating conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate Polaris recreational vehicles for extended periods in winter conditions to validate performance and durability.
• Follow prescribed duty cycles and test requests to support thorough and consistent vehicle testing.
• Perform vehicle maintenance, routine inspections, repairs, and test‑part installations or updates.
• Use data loggers and diagnostic tools to capture vehicle and test information.
• Complete daily logs documenting operating conditions, duty cycles, vehicle performance, failures, test‑part status, and other relevant observations.
• Analyze vehicle performance and test results, providing clear positive and constructive feedback to the product development team.
• Use digital photography to document vehicle conditions, components, failures, and test results.
• Follow safe riding practices, promote safe practices among team members, and maintain a clean work area that meets applicable OSHA requirements.
• Adapt to assignment changes and complete projects and tasks with limited ongoing supervision.
• Protect confidential vehicle, test, and product information.

Desired Competencies

• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.
• Accountability: You take ownership of your responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and hold yourself to high standards for quality and results.
• Adaptability: You respond effectively to change, adjust priorities as needed, and remain productive in evolving or uncertain environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; two-year degree in a technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of mechanic or technician experience preferred.
• Powersports experience and strong mechanical aptitude required.
• CPR and First Aid training required.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete accurate daily test documentation required.
• Valid driver's license required; Class A commercial driver's license preferred, or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to operate snowmobiles in extreme winter conditions for extended periods required.
• Ability to drive trucks with trailers under 26,000 pounds gross combined vehicle weight rating and operate forklifts required.
• Experience with data acquisition and diagnostic tools preferred; fabrication and welding skills preferred.
• Strong communication skills, self-direction, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment required.
• Willingness and ability to take extended test trips and work in indoor shops, outdoor winter conditions, and off‑site shop trailers required.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $22.00 to $29.00 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
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).
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