Sr. Project Engineer

polaris; Wyoming (MN); On-site; USD 97,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401(k) matching

Health, dental, vision insurance

Wellness programs

Paid time off

Gym & personal training reimbursement

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking a margin improvement leader to drive cross-functional initiatives from idea through financial realization.

You will partner with engineering, finance, sourcing, and manufacturing to identify and execute cost-reduction opportunities and to build a robust margin improvement pipeline with targets and timelines. The role requires a strong technical background, 2–5 years in engineering project leadership, and the ability to translate vehicle-level attributes into actionable

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering is required.
• 2–5 years leading engineering projects or related cost-reduction work.
• Strong background in product development and margin improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional margin improvement initiatives from idea to financial realization.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, sourcing, and manufacturing to identify cost reductions.
• Build and manage a margin improvement pipeline with targets, timing, and risks.
• Maintain margin tools and support future enhancements across the organization.
• Lead multiple cross-functional teams to deliver results aligned with goals.
• Guide project execution using the Polaris PDP and ensure clear requirements.
• Drive critical decisions and provide status updates across the organization.
• Manage budgets and assist managers with planning and headcount forecasts.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Cost reduction

Margin improvement

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Education

BS Engineering Degree

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.

Job Summary:

Leads cross-functional margin improvement initiatives from opportunity identification through implementation, with a strong focus on product line profitability, cost reduction, financial planning, risk management, and business case execution. This role plays a critical part in improving overall margin performance by aligning cross functional teams around prioritized initiatives that deliver measurable financial impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead product line margin improvement initiatives from idea through financial realization.
• Partner with engineering, finance, sourcing, manufacturing, product teams, and suppliers to identify and execute cost reduction opportunities.
• Build and manage a margin improvement pipeline with business cases, savings targets, timing, risks, and resources.
• Maintain margin improvement tools and support future enhancements across the organization.
• Lead multiple cross-functional teams to deliver results aligned with strategic goals.
• Utilize the Polaris Product Development Process (PDP) to guide project execution, ensuring all requirements are clearly defined, documented, and communicated.
• Work cross-functionally with stakeholders to drive critical decisions and approvals.
• Prepare and provide clear and concise project status communications across all levels of the organization.
• Collaborate with suppliers to use their design expertise to improve cost structure where appropriate.
• Promote urgency, accountability, and ownership across initiative teams.
• Manage and report on project budgets. Assist functional managers to plan budgets and manpower forecasts. Monthly financial meeting with Engineering management.
• Responsible for identifying and securing resources for projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Achievement Oriented - Delivers high-quality financial, operational, and customer results.
• Collaboration - Works cross-functionally to achieve shared profitability goals.
• Business and Process Mindset - Applies structure, financial discipline, and repeatable tools to margin improvement work.
• Accountability - Creates clear ownership, visibility, and follow-through on business results.

Skills & Knowledge:

• BS Engineering Degree required.
• Minimum 2-5 years of engineering project leadership, cost reduction, margin improvement, product development, or related experience.
• Strong technical background and interest in powersports products.
• Skilled at navigating ambiguity, translating vehicle-level attributes into actionable project definitions and early-stage initiatives.
• Understands cost drivers, tradeoffs, business cases, and financial impact.
• Driven to maintain momentum, remove barriers, and improve business performance.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Strong leadership skills and ability.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Comfortable presenting to and interacting with senior leadership and executives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.

Working Conditions:

Dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Up to 10% travel throughout the year, both domestic and international.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $97,000 to $128,000 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 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 a