Engineering Manager (Powertrain Test)

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 lead the Powertrain Test Engineering team supporting Polaris Powertrain Laboratories. In this role, you will be accountable for laboratory system performance, engineering support, resource alignment, technical capability, capital planning, and continuous improvement across multiple lab environments. You will work closely with product engineering, validation, lab operations, facilities, IT, vendors, and external partners to ensure test infrastructure and processes support efficient powertrain development and product delivery. This is a compelling opportunity to influence lab capability, improve testing efficiency, and help shape the systems and investments that support future powertrain development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of test engineers supporting multiple powertrain laboratory functions.
• Own overall performance of powertrain laboratory systems and engineering support across development and validation labs.
• Establish priorities, expectations, accountability, and technical ownership within the test engineering team.
• Drive resolution of complex lab and testing issues by ensuring clear ownership, timely closure, and effective cross-functional alignment.
• Improve lab uptime, test readiness, throughput, data quality, and responsiveness to program needs.
• Plan and allocate engineering resources supporting powertrain lab operations while balancing workload, priorities, and technical support across labs.
• Identify resource, capability, and process gaps and develop mitigation plans to support business priorities.
• Own development and execution of the powertrain lab capital roadmap, including project definition, justification, prioritization, and implementation.
• Lead near-term and long-term lab capability roadmap planning aligned to product development needs, regulatory requirements, and future technologies.
• Partner with lab managers, product development, validation, field performance, facilities, IT, vendors, and external partners to support lab operations and improvements.
• Manage powertrain lab-related budgets, including labor, capital, and expenses.
• Define, track, and improve key lab performance metrics such as utilization, downtime, throughput, and quality.

Desired Competencies:

• Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.
• Business Acumen: You understand how your work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and you make decisions with the broader business context in mind.
• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in powertrain development, testing, or laboratory engineering.
• Prior leadership experience managing engineering teams is preferred.
• Strong understanding of engine and powertrain systems, testing methodologies, and laboratory environments.
• Experience with dynamometer systems, emissions testing, and test data analysis is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and drive cross-functional outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Financial and project management experience, including capital planning and budgeting, is preferred.
• Ability to support work in a powertrain development and laboratory environment with regular interaction across test labs, dyno facilities, and engineering teams.
• Occasional off-hours support may be required for critical testing or issue resolution.
• Travel as required, typically less than 10%.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-CS99

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $126,000 to $166,000 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).