Staff Mechanical Engineer

About the role

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.

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.
• Cook up 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.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

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.

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering design or related engineering roles
• Agriculture, Transportation, powersports, or automotive design experience
• 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
• 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

Benefits

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.

Pay

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.

Schedule

Not specified.