Design Engineer (Body & Interior Plastics)

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, validate, and support production release of vehicle exterior plastic and interior trim systems for Polaris products. In this role, you will lead component and subsystem development from concept through launch, including CAD design, supplier coordination, validation support, and issue resolution. You will work closely with Design, Vehicle Architecture, Project Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Validation, and suppliers to deliver manufacturable solutions that meet performance, quality, durability, appearance, cost, and timing objectives. This is a compelling opportunity to own key body system components while influencing product execution across design, engineering, supplier, and launch activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, validation, and production release of exterior plastic and interior trim components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Translate styling intent into manufacturable, production-ready designs in collaboration with Industrial Design and related engineering partners.
• Oversee and collaborate with B-side design resources to create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and release documentation.
• Develop component interfaces, attachment strategies, and assembly concepts to ensure proper integration with adjacent vehicle systems.
• Manage project deliverables, schedules, open issues, and risks to support program timing and cost objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Validation, suppliers, and other stakeholders to deliver robust design solutions.
• Support material selection, tooling development, design-for-manufacturing reviews, and production launch activities.
• Develop and support subsystem specifications, DFMEAs, DVP&R plans, design reviews, and validation testing.
• Investigate and resolve design, manufacturing, validation, and field issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Participate in prototype builds, vehicle integration activities, competitive benchmarking, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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.
• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Planning & Organization: You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of product development experience with plastic components, vehicle body systems, or interior trim systems.
• Experience with injection molded plastic component design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing vehicle exterior plastics and/or interior trim systems.
• Knowledge of thermoplastic material selection for aesthetic and structural applications.
• Working knowledge and experience with 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawing creation; Creo experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and dimensional stack-up analysis.
• Understanding of DFMEA, DVP&R, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methods.
• Experience with tooling development, mold flow analysis, part or mold cost estimating, and supplier management is preferred.
• Powersports, automotive, motorcycle, agricultural, marine, or off-road vehicle experience is preferred.
• Up to 10% travel is associated with this role.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $76,000 to $100,000 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).