Staff Mechanical Engineer

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:

This position on the Advanced Technology team is responsible for leading the design, fabrication, integration, and evaluation of new and emerging technologies being considered within Polaris. The role operates at the intersection of advanced concept development, production programs, and future platform strategy, and is expected to influence vehicle architecture decisions from early concept through product launch.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, engineer, and build functional prototypes and concept models that explore emerging technologies, validate feasibility, and demonstrate future‑state product possibilities.

• Translate conceptual ideas and innovation processes into tangible models and iteratively refine them with cross‑functional teams based on testing results, performance evaluations, and stakeholder feedback.

• Lead teams through concept builds and the evaluation of new technologies, bringing advanced concepts to life while documenting learnings and recommending next steps to guide strategic decision‑making.

• Develop and mature early‑stage technologies into viable solutions ready for product integration, collaborating closely with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to ensure a seamless transition from concept to production.

• Analyze technical risks, propose mitigation plans, and provide technology recommendations, prototype insights, and feasibility assessments that support ORV and seasonal product roadmaps.

• Partner with product teams during roadmap reviews, milestone gates, and planning sessions to align innovation activities with long‑term strategic plans and market needs.

• Coordinate and execute materials testing, evaluation, and validation activities in collaboration with suppliers, lab teams, and internal experts, assessing performance, durability, manufacturability, and cost implications.

• Summarize material findings and deliver data‑driven recommendations to inform material selection and integration into future products.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field required.

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering design or related engineering roles preferred.

• Agriculture, Transportation, powersports, or automotive design experience is highly desirable.

• Comfortable working with ambiguity and flexibility in projects and emerging technologies.

• Proficiency with 3D modeling tools such as Creo, Blender, or similar platforms.

• Hands‑on fabrication experience, including machining, welding, and assembly preferred.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated problem‑solving ability and creative thinking skills.

• Experience developing system requirements and performance specifications.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical abilities, including problem‑solving and root cause analysis (preferred).

• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams.

• Ability to work with domestic and international technology partners.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Project, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

#LI-NT1

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $116,000 to $153,000 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 aiapply.co or View email address on aiapply.co . To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) .