Sr. Design Engineer (Structures & Body-in-White)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing plan

401(k) employer match

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of structural systems for powersports vehicles.

You will own components from concept through production, collaborating with architects, product management, suppliers, and operations to meet performance, quality, cost, and timing goals. You will develop concepts, layouts, and documentation, participate in design reviews, and support manufacturing strategies for variants across multiple vehicle

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.
• Automotive BIW experience is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to operate vehicles for development and testing.
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling software; Creo preferred.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
• Working knowledge of GDT, FMEA, and tolerance stack‑up analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and validation of structural components from concept to production.
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality, timing, and cost objectives.
• Support release of components and documentation through product processes.
• Create and maintain specifications and related engineering docs.
• Own structural development plans through design to production.
• Assist validation activities and manufacturing strategies for variants.
• Collaborate with engineers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to deliver robust solutions.
• Lead design reviews and investigate field issues to determine root causes.

Skills

Mechanical design

Design engineering

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collab

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

FEA tools

GDT

PDM/PLM

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 GDT, 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.

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.

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).

Benefits

• 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.

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