Design Engineer – Vehicle Dynamics (Suspension, Steering, Brakes)

Polaris Inc. • Full-time • Wyoming, MN, US • 4w ago

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

You will design, develop, and validate suspension, steering, and braking components that directly influence the ride, handling, and durability of Polaris off-road vehicles. In this role, you contribute hands-on engineering work across the full product lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through release, validation, and manufacturing support. You will partner closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, supplier, and service teams to solve complex vehicle dynamics design challenges. This role is a compelling opportunity to apply engineering fundamentals at vehicle scale while seeing your designs perform in real-world off-road applications.

Key Responsibilities

Design and release suspension, steering, and braking subsystems and components using 3D CAD tools, supporting full lifecycle development from concept through production.
Interpret and apply CAE, simulation, test, and field data to drive informed design decisions and actionable engineering improvements.
Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for component, subsystem, or vehicle-level performance and quality issues.
Architect component and subsystem solutions that integrate effectively within larger vehicle systems and meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets.
Determine appropriate manufacturing methods for components, balancing design intent, performance requirements, cost, and supplier capabilities.
Collaborate with internal teams across engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, service, and quality, as well as external suppliers and technology partners.
Prepare sketches, layouts, and technical presentations to communicate engineering concepts, analyses, and design solutions.
Lead and participate in design reviews, ensuring alignment, technical rigor, and cross-functional input.
Support analysis of field issues and customer feedback to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
Provide ongoing engineering support as needed to ensure successful product execution.

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.
Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent required.
Experience with mechanical design engineering, including subsystem or component design.
Experience using a 3D CAD modeling package; CREO experience preferred.
Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package preferred.
Knowledge of GD&T, FMEA, dimensional tolerance stack-ups, and fit and finish principles.
Familiarity with product lifecycle management tools; PTC Windchill experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
Prior experience with vehicle systems, powersports, motorsports, or similar mechanical systems preferred.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Ability to drive off-road vehicles is required.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $76,000 to $110,000 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 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).

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