Sr. CAE Engineer – Durability Methods

Polaris Inc.; Wyoming (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. seeks a Technical Leader in durability engineering to enhance off-road vehicle design through FEA-driven simulation techniques. This role demands strong leadership to mentor engineers and standardize processes across global teams.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience in durability analysis. Key responsibilities include developing innovative simulation methods, ensuring consistency in engineering, and influencing vehicle architecture decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in durability analysis or structural simulation.
• Experience in developing FEA-based approaches and methodologies.
• Strong proficiency in improving correlation of simulation and test data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of advanced durability methods.
• Collaborate with global teams for standardized engineering processes.
• Improve simulation fidelity through validation and method refinement.

Skills

FEA-based simulation

Durability analysis

Fatigue analysis

Scripting tools like Python

Critical thinking

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

OptiStruct

Job description

Position Overview

You will provide technical leadership in the development and advancement of durability engineering methods to support next‑generation off‑road vehicle design. In this role, you will lead the application of FEA‑driven simulation techniques to improve predictive accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across engineering teams. You will collaborate with global stakeholders to standardize processes, integrate physical test data, and influence early‑stage product development decisions. You will also mentor engineers and promote adoption of best practices and scalable methodologies. This role offers the opportunity to shape durability engineering approaches and drive meaningful impact on product performance and development effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, and deployment of advanced durability methods using commercial CAE and FEA tools.
• Drive innovation in FEA‑based simulation approaches, including fatigue analysis, nonlinear simulation, transient response, and complex joint modeling.
• Identify gaps in current CAE workflows and establish standardized processes to support global engineering consistency.
• Define and implement modeling guidelines, load case strategies, and post‑processing procedures to improve scalability and repeatability.
• Develop and standardize load generation approaches, durability events, and virtual use cases.
• Collaborate with MBD and test teams to improve integration of loading data and enhance simulation fidelity.
• Improve correlation between simulation models and physical test results through validation and method refinement.
• Develop and implement automation strategies to streamline CAE workflows using scripting tools.
• Apply durability methodologies early in vehicle architecture development to influence design decisions and performance targets.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and subject‑matter expertise to engineering teams.

Desired Competencies

Technical / Functional Expertise: Apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.

Critical Thinking: Analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.

Leadership: Inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in durability analysis, structural simulation, or CAE methods development with a focus on FEA‑based approaches.
• Expertise with FEA tools such as Abaqus, ANSYS, OptiStruct, or similar platforms.
• Strong proficiency in fatigue analysis, nonlinear simulation, load case development, and structural durability.
• Experience developing or applying simulation methods to support engineering decision‑making.
• Experience improving correlation between simulation results and physical test data.
• Experience with scripting and automation tools such as Python or TCL.
• Ability to work across global engineering teams and drive adoption of standardized processes and methodologies.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and technical leadership skills.
• Familiarity with vehicle systems design and validation, particularly chassis, suspension, driveline, or structural systems.
• Knowledge of MBD tools and load development practices.

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.