Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, NPI Final Assembly

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and support production activities required for new product launches, including pilot builds, validations, and production ramp-up.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure accuracy of process documentation, work instructions, and standard work in partnership with process technicians.
• Conduct direct labor estimation based on CAD designs and establish operational standards.
• Perform DFAM evaluations and provide feedback to design engineering to improve manufacturability, ergonomics, and assembly efficiency.
• Define tooling and fixturing requirements and collaborate with tool designers on procurement, design, and implementation.
• Lead PFMEA development and approval for new product launches to ensure risk identification and mitigation.
• Analyze manufacturing methods and recommend improvements to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Lead problem resolution activities using structured methodologies such as root cause analysis, 8D, and CAPA, and ensure closure of corrective actions.
• Manage pre-production pilot builds, including planning, execution, and post-build reporting.
• Support capital equipment initiatives, including scope definition, specification development, vendor coordination, and commissioning activities.
• Develop and maintain standard cost models for new products to support launch decisions and make-versus-buy analysis.
• Ensure compliance with safety, ergonomic, and regulatory requirements across processes and equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or a related process engineering role.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, final assembly operations, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and change management.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or Creo) and AutoCAD.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Power BI, OneNote, and MS Project.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with DFAM, automation, fixture or machinery design, or electrical/functional testing is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site in manufacturing and R&D environments, including time on the production floor with adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to travel up to 25% to support suppliers or manufacturing sites.

Desired Competencies

• Collaboration: Works effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues, assesses root causes, and implements practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
• Technical / Functional Expertise: Applies the required technical or professional knowledge to perform the role effectively and stays current within the area of expertise.

Pay

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $105,000 to $130,000 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.