Sr. Design Engineer (Structures)

Polaris Inc.; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 93,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Wellness programs

Paid time off

Gym & personal training reimbursement

Life insurance

Disability offerings

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Novi, MI seeks a design and validation engineer to lead structural systems for Powersports vehicles from concept to production. You will collaborate with program architects, suppliers, and operations to meet performance, quality, cost, and timing goals.

You will own component development, participate in design reviews, and support validation activities across multiple vehicle platforms, with travel to partner sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of design engineering or systems engineering experience.
• Experience with stamping, metal joining, and structural component design.
• BIW experience preferred; strong CAD/FEA capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and validation of structural components from concept through production.
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality, reliability, timing, and cost objectives.
• Create and maintain specifications and related engineering documentation.
• Own structural development plans through design, sourcing, validation, and production.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Stamping

Metal joining

BIW experience

Creo

FEA tools

Windchill PLM

GD&T

FMEA

Cross-functional teamwork

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

FEA 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 lead the design, development, and validation of structural systems and components for Polaris Powersports vehicles from concept through production. In this role, you will collaborate with program architects, subject matter experts, product management, suppliers, and operations teams to develop structural solutions that meet performance, quality, cost, manufacturing, and timing objectives. You will be responsible for component ownership throughout the product development lifecycle, including design, validation, release, and production support. This is a compelling opportunity to influence vehicle structures and manufacturing strategies while delivering innovative products across multiple vehicle platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of structural components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality, reliability, timing, and cost objectives established for vehicle and accessory programs.
• Complete design activities and support timely release of components and documentation through established product development processes.
• Create and maintain component specifications, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and related engineering documentation.
• Own and manage structural development plans through design, sourcing, validation, manufacturing, and production implementation.
• Support validation activities and manufacturing strategies for structural systems and component variants.
• Evaluate and recommend manufacturing methods that support design, performance, quality, and cost objectives.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver robust solutions.
• Develop engineering concepts, layouts, sketches, presentations, and technical documentation to support product development activities.
• Partner with suppliers to develop new vehicle and accessory solutions.
• Lead and participate in design reviews to ensure technical alignment and successful project execution.
• Investigate field and production issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.

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 5 years of design engineering or systems engineering experience.
• Experience with stamping, metal joining, and structural component design.
• Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) experience is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to operate vehicles for development and testing purposes.
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling software; Creo experience is preferred.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
• Experience with PTC Windchill Product Lifecycle Management software is preferred.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, FMEA, dimensional tolerance stack-up analysis, and fit-and-finish evaluation.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work with and travel to domestic and international technology partners.
• Travel requirements are approximately 15% for employees based in Wyoming, MN and approximately 25% for employees based in Novi, MI. Employees based in Novi, MI will be expected to travel regularly to the Wyoming, MN Product Development Center and supplier locations.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $93,000 to $123,000 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.

Benefits

• 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.

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