Polaris Inc.
Overview
Staff Specialist Engineer – Off-Road Driveline at Polaris Inc. We are seeking an experienced engineering professional to lead design, development, and strategic advancement of driveline systems for our Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) platforms. This expert-level role requires a deep understanding of driveline architecture, component integration, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver industry-leading performance and reliability. Responsibilities
Lead the full lifecycle development of advanced driveline systems including transmissions, right-angle drives, propshafts, and halfshafts. Define and drive system-level requirements using a rigorous Systems Engineering approach, ensuring alignment with vehicle performance targets and program objectives. Architect and validate complex mechanical systems, leveraging DFMEA, DVP&R, and robust specification documentation. Champion design excellence through technical reviews, benchmarking, and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, sourcing, operations, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration and production readiness. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation within the team. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for field and manufacturing issues. Drive vehicle testing and validation, including hands-on evaluation of ORV platforms in real-world conditions. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 10 years of experience in driveline or powertrain system design and development. Expert-level proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., Pro-E/Creo). Proven experience with system-level specification development and bolted joint design. Strong foundation in GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and FMEA methodologies. Demonstrated ability to design for strength, weight, and manufacturability. Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence across teams and functions. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10%) for technical collaboration and field testing. Preferred Expertise
Deep knowledge of driveline component manufacturing processes: casting, forging, machining, plastic molding (injection, blow), and rubber hose/ducting. Hands-on experience with FEA/CFD tools and post-processing for system optimization. Familiarity with PTC Windchill PLM and lab-based testing/data acquisition systems. Passion for off-road vehicle performance and development, including field testing and competitive benchmarking. Working Environment
Fast-paced, innovation-driven engineering culture focused on delivering cutting-edge vehicle technologies. Frequent engagement in field testing, shop fabrication, and prototype development. Collaborative, cross-disciplinary team environment with a strong emphasis on technical leadership and product excellence. The starting pay range for Minnesota is $98,000 to $129,000 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. Polaris employees are owners through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan, with generous 401(k) matching and financial wellness support. Polaris provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. The Polaris Foundation and Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off support employees who volunteer in their communities. 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 requiring accommodation to complete the application process should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or Talent.Acquisition@Polaris.com. Polaris is headquartered in Minnesota and serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com
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Staff Specialist Engineer – Off-Road Driveline at Polaris Inc. We are seeking an experienced engineering professional to lead design, development, and strategic advancement of driveline systems for our Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) platforms. This expert-level role requires a deep understanding of driveline architecture, component integration, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver industry-leading performance and reliability. Responsibilities
Lead the full lifecycle development of advanced driveline systems including transmissions, right-angle drives, propshafts, and halfshafts. Define and drive system-level requirements using a rigorous Systems Engineering approach, ensuring alignment with vehicle performance targets and program objectives. Architect and validate complex mechanical systems, leveraging DFMEA, DVP&R, and robust specification documentation. Champion design excellence through technical reviews, benchmarking, and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, sourcing, operations, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration and production readiness. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation within the team. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for field and manufacturing issues. Drive vehicle testing and validation, including hands-on evaluation of ORV platforms in real-world conditions. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 10 years of experience in driveline or powertrain system design and development. Expert-level proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., Pro-E/Creo). Proven experience with system-level specification development and bolted joint design. Strong foundation in GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and FMEA methodologies. Demonstrated ability to design for strength, weight, and manufacturability. Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence across teams and functions. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10%) for technical collaboration and field testing. Preferred Expertise
Deep knowledge of driveline component manufacturing processes: casting, forging, machining, plastic molding (injection, blow), and rubber hose/ducting. Hands-on experience with FEA/CFD tools and post-processing for system optimization. Familiarity with PTC Windchill PLM and lab-based testing/data acquisition systems. Passion for off-road vehicle performance and development, including field testing and competitive benchmarking. Working Environment
Fast-paced, innovation-driven engineering culture focused on delivering cutting-edge vehicle technologies. Frequent engagement in field testing, shop fabrication, and prototype development. Collaborative, cross-disciplinary team environment with a strong emphasis on technical leadership and product excellence. The starting pay range for Minnesota is $98,000 to $129,000 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. Polaris employees are owners through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan, with generous 401(k) matching and financial wellness support. Polaris provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. The Polaris Foundation and Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off support employees who volunteer in their communities. 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 requiring accommodation to complete the application process should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or Talent.Acquisition@Polaris.com. Polaris is headquartered in Minnesota and serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com
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