Sr. CAE Engineer – Durability Methods

Polaris Inc.; Wyoming (MN); On-site; USD 109,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing plan

401(k) with match

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Wellness programs

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking an experienced Durability Engineering Leader to drive FEA-based methods across next-generation off-road vehicle design. You will standardize workflows, collaborate with global teams, and mentor engineers to raise simulation fidelity and predictability.

The role emphasizes fatigue, nonlinear and transient analysis, with close ties to MBD and physical testing data. You will influence early-stage architecture decisions and promote scalable methodologies across engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years in durability analysis, structural simulation, or CAE methods development with a focus on FEA-based approaches.
• Experience with Abaqus, ANSYS, OptiStruct or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, and deployment of advanced durability methods using 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 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.

Skills

FEA/CAE expertise

Fatigue analysis

Nonlinear simulation

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Python scripting

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

OptiStruct

MBD tools

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 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: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.Leadership: You 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.#LI-CS99The starting pay range for Minnesota is $109,000 to $144,000 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. Apply today!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, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.About PolarisAs 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.EEO StatementPolaris 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).