Sr. Design Engineer (Structures)

polaris; Wyoming (MN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. Minnesota-based engineer role leading design, development and validation of structural systems for Powersports vehicles. You will collaborate with program architects, product management, suppliers and operations to meet performance, quality, cost and timing goals.

The role requires 5+ years in design or systems engineering, BIW experience and 3D CAD (Creo), with travel up to 25% and willingness to visit the Product Development Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years design or systems engineering experience.
• Experience with stamping, metal joining, and structural component design.
• BIW experience preferred.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of structural components from concept to production.
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality, reliability, timing, and cost objectives.
• Own documentation through product development processes (DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, specs).
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Develop concepts, layouts, sketches, and technical documentation for programs.
• Investigate field issues and implement corrective actions.

Skills

CAD - Creo

FEA tools

Windchill

GD&T

FMEA

BIW experience

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

FEA tools

Windchill

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.

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 firs