Senior Controls Engineer

Polaris Inc. Job Opportunity

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 and support for industrial control systems across Polaris manufacturing facilities, helping ensure reliable equipment performance and efficient production operations. In this role, you will partner with manufacturing, maintenance, tooling, and engineering teams to implement automation solutions, improve processes, and support controls standards across multiple locations. You will contribute to the deployment of new equipment, integration of manufacturing technologies, and ongoing optimization of existing systems. Reporting to the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team, you will support manufacturing initiatives across facilities in Huntsville, AL; Monterrey, MX; Roseau, MN; and Battle Ground, WA. This is a compelling opportunity to influence manufacturing performance across multiple sites while leading automation and controls initiatives with broad operational impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects involving the deployment, upgrade, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and control systems.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and recommend automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, reliability, and operational performance.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and integration of control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Integrate manufacturing control systems with MES platforms to support product quality and process visibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve controls, automation, and equipment-related issues to minimize downtime and support production objectives.
• Train production and maintenance personnel on control system operation, maintenance, and programming practices.
• Partner with tooling, manufacturing, and engineering teams in the development and implementation of new tooling and manufacturing solutions.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, and related control system programming to support production requirements and process improvements.
• Develop standards, machine specifications, and controls documentation to support manufacturing equipment and applications.
• Support the development, justification, and execution of long-range manufacturing and automation plans aligned with business objectives.
• Prepare and present technical reports, project documentation, and presentations for stakeholders across the organization.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, quality requirements, safety standards, and OSHA regulations.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred. Or relevant experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years of directly related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs, including ControlLogix and MicroLogix platforms.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMIs and Allen Bradley VFDs.
• Experience troubleshooting and commissioning industrial fieldbus networks, including Ethernet/IP and DeviceNet.
• Experience creating and modifying electrical schematics using AutoCAD.
• Experience managing Kepware Client and OPC_UA communications.
• Knowledge of assembly process design, optimization, industrial equipment design, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience with electrical panel design and construction.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Travel required up to 50% for positions based in Minnesota or up to 25% for positions based in Alabama.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $100,000 to $132,000 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).