Sr. Project Engineer

About the role

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.

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.
• Conduct monthly financial meetings with Engineering management.
• Responsible for identifying and securing resources for projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Up to 10% travel throughout the year, both domestic and international.

Pay

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 array of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and discounted employee stock purchases plan.
• Generous matching contribution to 401(k).
• Financial wellness education and consultation.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid time off.
• Gym and personal training reimbursement.
• Life insurance and disability offerings.
• Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off.

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.