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 the Senior Staff Engineer – Body & Interior Plastics, you will serve as the senior technical authority for molded plastic body systems, enclosure components, and interior plastic assemblies across Polaris off-road vehicle platforms. You will provide strategic technical leadership from early concept through production, setting design direction and guiding architecture decisions for complex plastic components and systems. This role requires deep expertise in plastic part design, injection molding, manufacturability, supplier collaboration, and production-ready execution across both exterior and interior applications.
You will partner closely with vehicle architecture, product management, manufacturing, sourcing, and suppliers to define requirements, develop robust and scalable solutions, and drive quality, durability, fit-and-finish, and performance. You will also help establish best practices, influence long-term platform strategy, and mentor engineers across programs as Polaris continues to advance body and interior plastics systems at scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the senior technical lead for body systems and enclosures, setting technical direction, design intent, and NVH strategy across multiple programs
- Lead the design, development, and validation of body systems, enclosure components, and NVH treatments from concept through production
- Evaluate existing platforms to identify architectural opportunities and define forward-looking roadmaps
- Establish, maintain, and evolve NVH treatment best practices, specifications, standards, DFMEA, and DVP&R
- Provide technical guidance on materials, treatments, and manufacturing methods
- Partner with sourcing and suppliers to integrate technologies
- Serve as a technical reviewer during design reviews
- Create and release engineering documentation in the Polaris Release System
- Apply FEA and BEM tools to guide design decisions
- Analyze field NVH issues and lead corrective actions
- Mentor engineers across teams
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.
- Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
Qualifications:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- Minimum 10 years of experience in body/enclosure engineering or mechanical design
- Core competency in injection molding and NVH treatments
- Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling and Finite Element Analysis tools
- Demonstrated experience leading complex designs from concept through production
- Proficient in GD&T, FMEA, and tolerance stack-ups
- Experience with PTC Windchill and CREO preferred
- Ability to influence without authority and mentor engineers
- Ability to work with and travel to domestic and international technology partners
- Novi location -Travel up to 25–50%
- This position is not eligible for sponsorship
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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $136,000 to $179,000 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.
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).
