Program Leader (Enigneering)

Employer description

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.

Position Overview: As a Project Leader, supporting recreational vehicles, you will provide functional technical leadership across engineering programs and projects, guiding design decisions that influence the performance and market success of off-road vehicle products. You will create and evaluate innovative design concepts, integrate customer insights, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that meet quality, cost, and schedule objectives. Your work will shape new product capabilities while ensuring alignment with established engineering standards and development processes. This role offers an opportunity to influence high-visibility product outcomes and contribute meaningfully to Polaris’ continued growth in the ORV market.

Key Responsibilities: • Manage costs (Bill of material & investment – man months, special expenses, and tooling capital), schedule, and performance KPC’s through integrated product team meetings with small teams ranging from ~5 to ~20 people.

• Influence designs of off-road vehicle components and systems to support product competitiveness, profitability, and market share goals. • Develop innovative design concepts that improve customer satisfaction and help identify new market opportunities. • Benchmark competitive products, materials, and processes to inform design decisions. • Apply the Polaris product development process to ensure consistent and effective execution. • Plan, conduct, and supervise technical assignments, evaluating progress and results. • Estimate part and tooling costs and monitor cost performance throughout project execution. • Coordinate development, testing, drafting, layout, and fabrication activities to meet project objectives and schedules. • Participate in design reviews to ensure input and alignment across engineering and functional teams. • Analyze field issues and recommend effective technical solutions. • Represent the company in engineering and legal standards meetings, contributing technical documentation and analysis as required. • Perform additional project-related assignments as needed.

Desired Competencies: • Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise. • Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions. • Customer Focus: You prioritize the needs of internal or external customers and use feedback and data to improve outcomes, processes, or experiences.

Qualifications: • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. • Minimum 3 - 6 years of engineering experience, preferably in consumer product development. • Broad knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and procedures applied to complex technical

problems. • Strong creativity, innovation, and decision-making skills. • Quality-focused with attention to customer needs. • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools; experience with Pro-E preferred.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $105,000 to $138,000 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; 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 [email protected].  To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).