Associate Data Scientist

About Polaris 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. Track: Predictive Data Science This track is designed for individuals who want to apply data science, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies to solve business challenges, uncover insights, and help drive smarter decisions across Polaris. Leadership Development Program Overview The Polaris Digital & Information Technology (D&IT) Leadership Development Program is a two-year rotational program designed for recent graduates interested in technology, business, and leadership. Through four six-month rotations, associates gain hands‑on experience applying data, analytics, machine learning, and AI to solve real business challenges across Polaris. The Predictive Data Science Track provides exposure to the full data science lifecycle — from identifying business problems and preparing data to building predictive models, deploying machine learning solutions, and translating insights into action. Associates work alongside data scientists, data engineers, product teams, business stakeholders, and technology leaders to develop solutions that improve customer experiences, optimize operations, and support innovation across the enterprise. This track is ideal for individuals who are analytical, curious, and energized by using data to solve complex problems. Throughout the program, associates build technical, business, and leadership skills while gaining broad exposure to how data science and advanced analytics drive business outcomes across Polaris. Experience Areas Business Analytics & Decision Support – Analyzing business, customer, product, and operational data to uncover insights and deliver recommendations that create measurable business value. Connected Product & Data Insights – Leveraging connected product and business data to uncover insights, improve experiences, and support data-driven decision‑making. Predictive Modeling & Machine Learning – Building, training, and evaluating models that support forecasting, optimization, personalization, and operational decision‑making. AI & Emerging Technologies – Exploring opportunities in generative AI, agentic AI, large language models, deep learning, and other emerging technologies to support business innovation. MLOps & Model Deployment – Supporting scalable machine learning pipelines, model deployment processes, monitoring, automation, and continuous improvement practices. Cross‑Functional Data Science Leadership – Collaborating with business partners, engineers, product teams, and technology leaders to translate business needs into data science solutions. Program Length: 2 Years Rotation Length: 6 Months, 4 Rotations Placement Locations May Include: Many ITDPs are based out of our corporate headquarters in Medina, MN, but opportunities may also exist in Plymouth, MN; Wyoming, MN; Roseau, MN; Huntsville, AL; Wilmington, OH; and Vermillion, SD. Upon completion of the program, you will transition into a full‑time D&IT‑related position within the business, contingent on business needs and the skills and experience you demonstrate during the program. Program Advantages Mentorship: you are paired with one of our functional business leaders for mentor support throughout your entire DP journey. Development: a blend of structured and self‑guided learning opportunities provided throughout the program that are intended to build leadership skills. Networking: intentional time with peers and leaders at Polaris to build your professional network. Early Talent Summit Week: you participate in our 3‑day event in our Wyoming, MN office. This immersive experience brings together all US interns and DPs for professional development, structured networking, a DP graduation event, inspiring executive speakers, and a thrilling team ride on some of your favorite Polaris vehicles. Community Engagement: opportunity to get involved in your local community. End of Rotation Presentations: present to our senior level leaders to showcase your career aspirations and recap your rotational experience. Polaris Benefit Highlights A generous 401K employee contribution matching program. Pay for Performance Company which uniquely allows employees to receive Annual Profit‑Sharing bonuses based upon the performance of the employee. Tuition Reimbursement program to support employees who want to further their education. The Selection Process Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the fall. Selected candidates will participate in a phone screen, business screen, and virtual interview with Polaris HR and business leaders. Candidates who successfully complete the interview process may receive an offer to join the D&IT Leadership Development Program. Rotation placements are determined based on business needs, individual interests, and development goals, with start dates aligned to graduation timing in either January or June. DP Relocation Assistance Polaris offers a relocation program through our mobility vendor for employees who qualify. Benefits include a lump sum payment, self‑haul moving package, lease cancellation/duplicate housing reimbursement, and access to a relocation counselor. The counselor will explain available resources and assist in securing short‑term housing. You will be responsible for daily transportation to and from the office. Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science or related field with graduation date between August 2026 and May 2027. Minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Ability to start January 11, 2027 or June 14, 2027. U.S. work authorization without future sponsorship requirements. Reliable transportation. Willingness to travel and relocate throughout the rotational program. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint). Demonstrated leadership experience through student organizations and/or work experiences. Demonstrated strengths in analysis, creative problem‑solving, communication, interpersonal relationships, self‑motivation, and leadership. Preferred Qualifications Previous internship, co‑op, research, or project experience involving data analytics, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or statistical modeling. Interest in applying data, analytics, and AI to solve business challenges and drive decision‑making. Experience working with data to identify trends, develop insights, or support recommendations. Familiarity with data science, machine learning, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, or data visualization concepts. Ability to communicate data‑driven insights and recommendations to technical and non‑technical audiences. Demonstrated curiosity and a passion for learning new technologies and analytical techniques. 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). At Polaris, the need for diverse perspectives and experiences enables our vision of Best People, Best Team. We value our differences and align our passions to do great work. As a highly efficient growth company, we are driven to be agile and adaptable to support our customers. At Polaris we unite to create memorable adventures. Learn more at Polaris Foundation & Volunteer Time Off 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. Company Culture & Benefits 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. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment. Compensation The starting pay range for Minnesota is $79,000 to $88,500 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr