Specialist Engineer (Vehicle Dynamics-Suspension)

Polaris Inc.; Wyoming (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking a skilled engineer to support development, tuning, validation, and performance optimization of Polaris Powersports vehicles, focusing on suspension, steering, braking, and vehicle dynamics systems.

The role blends hands-on testing with data-driven analysis to improve ride, handling, and overall performance. The successful candidate will translate system requirements into detailed engineering work, lead design activities for tunable components, and collaborate across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of related engineering experience.
• Knowledge of automotive or powersports vehicle systems.
• Experience with data acquisition systems (AIM, MoTeC, thermocouples, strain gauges).
• Experience operating a shock dynamometer is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25% and not eligible for sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct performance tuning, development, and evaluation of suspension, steering, tire, and brake systems.
• Develop and maintain system engineering requirements related to vehicle dynamics performance.
• Translate vehicle-level performance objectives into vehicle dynamics system requirements.
• Lead component design and development activities focused on tunable suspension and steering system components.
• Lead systems engineering activities for vehicle dynamics and drive cross-functional collaboration to achieve vehicle performance targets.
• Analyze vehicle performance data to identify root causes and develop improvements to vehicle dynamics subsystems.
• Support vehicle testing, validation, and development activities to verify ride, handling, steering, and braking performance.
• Collaborate with vehicle teams, system engineers, and other functional groups to optimize overall vehicle dynamics performance.

Skills

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AIM

MoTeC

Thermocouples

Strain gauges

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

You will support the development, tuning, validation, and performance optimization of Polaris Powersports vehicles with a primary focus on suspension, steering, brake, and vehicle dynamics systems. In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating ride and handling performance, translating vehicle‑level requirements into system requirements, and partnering with cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver targeted vehicle dynamics performance. You will combine hands‑on vehicle testing with data‑driven analysis to develop and validate solutions that enhance vehicle capability and customer experience. This is a compelling opportunity to directly influence the ride, handling, and overall performance characteristics of Polaris Powersports products.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct performance tuning, development, and evaluation of suspension, steering, tire, and brake systems.
• Develop and maintain system engineering requirements related to vehicle dynamics performance.
• Translate vehicle‑level performance objectives into vehicle dynamics system requirements.
• Lead component design and development activities focused on tunable suspension and steering system components.
• Lead systems engineering activities for vehicle dynamics and drive cross‑functional collaboration to achieve vehicle performance targets.
• Analyze vehicle performance data to identify root causes and develop improvements to vehicle dynamics subsystems.
• Support vehicle testing, validation, and development activities to verify ride, handling, steering, and braking performance.
• Collaborate with vehicle teams, system engineers, and other functional groups to optimize overall vehicle dynamics performance.

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.
• Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of related engineering experience.
• Knowledge of automotive or powersports vehicle systems and components.
• Experience with data acquisition and data collection systems such as AIM, MoTeC, thermocouples, strain gauges, or similar technologies.
• Experience operating and maintaining a shock dynamometer is preferred.
• Knowledge of vehicle dynamics principles and applications is preferred.
• Ability to operate off‑road vehicles for development, testing, and validation activities; extensive experience operating off‑road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, or motorcycles is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Hands‑on experience with vehicle repair and maintenance is preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Salary and Benefits

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $83,000 to $109,000 per year. Individual salaries 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.

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE.

At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation