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.
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.
Job Summary
As a Senior Design Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling and HVAC systems for Polaris off‑road vehicles from concept through production. This role provides full technical ownership of system‑level designs operating in extreme off‑road environments, requiring sound engineering judgment to balance performance, durability, cost, and manufacturability.
You will serve as a technical leader within cross‑functional teams, partnering with program architects, product management, sourcing, suppliers, and manufacturing to deliver robust, production‑ready systems aligned with program objectives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide system‑level ownership for cooling and HVAC designs from concept, through validation, and into production
- Lead the design and release of cooling and HVAC components including hoses, tubes, reservoirs, and supporting hardware
- Drive technical decision‑making to meet safety, quality, reliability, cost, and schedule targets
- Develop and maintain component specifications, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs in alignment with Polaris engineering standards
- Own and execute cooling and HVAC development plans, ensuring component readiness for purchasing, manufacturing, and launch milestones
- Define and support validation strategies to verify performance and durability in off‑road operating conditions
- Lead technical engagement with suppliers, influencing design, material selection, and manufacturing processes
- Determine appropriate manufacturing methods to meet performance, quality, and cost objectives
- Lead and participate in design reviews, providing technical guidance and ensuring cross‑functional alignment
- Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support production readiness and issue resolution
- Analyze field and warranty issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to less‑experienced engineers as appropriate
- Prepare technical presentations, layouts, and documentation to communicate engineering solutions
Required
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- 5+ years of mechanical design experience with increasing technical responsibility; high‑potential candidates with less experience may be considered at an Engineer level
- Demonstrated experience owning mechanical systems or subsystems from concept through production
- Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling; Creo preferred
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, tolerancing, and manufacturability
- Ability to occasionally operate prototype vehicles in support of development and validation activities
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10%) for technical collaboration and field testing.
Preferred
- Experience with cooling and/or HVAC systems and related components
- Experience working with suppliers on component and process development
- Experience with Windchill or similar PLM systems
- Experience with FEA & CFD
- Working knowledge of GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, and tolerance stack‑ups
- Strong analytical and root‑cause problem‑solving skills
- Proven ability to work independently, influence technical decisions, and collaborate across functions in a fast‑paced product development environment
The starting pay range for Minnesota is $93,000 to $123,000 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.
To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.
We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE. Apply today!
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. 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.
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; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; 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. www.polaris.com
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 800-765-2747 or Talent.Acquisition@Polaris.com. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).
EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
