Staff Engineer (Door Systems)

About the role

Polaris is seeking a Staff Engineer – Door Systems to lead the technical development and integration of door systems across multiple vehicle platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner and subject matter expert for complete door systems across multiple vehicle programs.
• Define and maintain door system architecture, requirements, performance targets, specifications, and engineering standards.
• Lead technical development of door systems from concept through production launch and ongoing product improvements.
• Drive system-level decisions involving door structures, hinges, latches, seals, glass, trim, interfaces, and customer touchpoints.
• Partner with vehicle architects and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful integration of door systems within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Lead development of system requirements, DFMEAs, DVP&R activities, validation plans, and technical reviews.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative solutions, resolve technical issues, and improve product performance.
• Analyze field and warranty issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Influence future product strategies, standards, and best practices related to door systems and closure technologies.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance across the organization.
• Identify and advocate for innovations in technologies, processes, and supplier partnerships that improve door system performance and customer experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 8 years of engineering experience focused on automotive, powersports, commercial vehicle, agricultural construction equipment, or off-road vehicle door systems, closure systems, or related vehicle access systems.
• Demonstrated experience owning door system development from concept through production.
• Proficient with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package required.
• Strong understanding of complete vehicle door systems, with demonstrated experience balancing architecture, performance, durability, manufacturability, cost, supplier capabilities, and customer requirements.
• Experience leading system-level engineering decisions across multiple stakeholders and functions.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on component development and technical issue resolution.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack analysis, DFMEA, DVP&R, and product validation processes.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling tools.
• Experience with PTC Windchill and CREO preferred.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, mentoring, and technical leadership skills.

Additional Requirements

• Travel requirements are approximately 15% for employees based in Wyoming, MN and approximately 25% for employees based in Novi, MI, with Novi-based employees expected to travel regularly to the Wyoming, MN Product Development Center and supplier locations.

Desired Competencies

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrates deep expertise in door system architecture and applies sound engineering judgment to complex technical challenges.
• Systems Thinking: Understands interactions across vehicle systems and effectively balances performance, cost, quality, timing, and customer requirements.
• Critical Thinking: Analyzes information objectively, evaluates alternatives, and applies sound judgment to solve complex engineering problems.
• Collaboration: Builds effective partnerships across engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing, and quality organizations.
• Influence: Effectively communicates technical concepts and drives alignment across stakeholders.