Principal Engineer (Door Systems)

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

Polaris is seeking a Principal Engineer – Door Systems to serve as the technical leader and subject matter expert for Side-by-Side door systems across multiple vehicle platforms.

This role is responsible for defining, developing, integrating, and validating complete door system architectures from concept through production. The Principal Engineer will provide technical leadership across all aspects of the door system including structure, latching systems, hinges, seals, glass, trim, fit and finish, customer experience, durability, and manufacturability.

Working closely with program architects, design engineers, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and product leadership, this individual will drive system-level decisions and ensure door system performance meets customer, cost, quality, and timing objectives.

The ideal candidate combines deep-door system expertise with the ability to think broadly across vehicle architecture, manufacturing, supplier capabilities, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner and subject matter expert for complete door systems across multiple vehicle programs.
• Define and maintain door system architecture, requirements, performance targets, specifications, and engineering standards.
• Lead technical development of door systems from concept through production launch and ongoing product improvements.
• Drive system-level decisions involving door structures, hinges, latches, seals, glass, trim, interfaces, and customer touchpoints.
• Partner with vehicle architects and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful integration of door systems within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Lead development of system requirements, DFMEAs, DVP&R activities, validation plans, and technical reviews.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative solutions, resolve technical issues, and improve product performance.
• Analyze field and warranty issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Influence future product strategies, standards, and best practices related to door systems and closure technologies.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance across the organization.
• Identify and advocate for innovations in technologies, processes, and supplier partnerships that improve door system performance and customer experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Competencies

Technical Leadership: Demonstrates deep expertise in door system architecture and applies sound engineering judgment to complex technical challenges.

Systems Thinking: Understands interactions across vehicle systems and effectively balances performance, cost, quality, timing, and customer requirements.

Critical Thinking: Analyzes information objectively, evaluates alternatives, and applies sound judgment to solve complex engineering problems.

Collaboration: Builds effective partnerships across engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing, and quality organizations.

Influence: Effectively communicates technical concepts and drives alignment across stakeholders.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 12 years of engineering experience focused on automotive, powersports, commercial vehicle, agricultural construction equipment, or off-road vehicle door systems, closure systems, or related vehicle access systems.
• Demonstrated experience owning door system development from concept through production.
• Proficient with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package required.
• Strong understanding of complete vehicle door systems, with demonstrated experience balancing architecture, performance, durability, manufacturability, cost, supplier capabilities, and customer requirements.
• Experience leading system-level engineering decisions across multiple stakeholders and functions.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on component development and technical issue resolution.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack analysis, DFMEA, DVP&R, and product validation processes.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling tools.
• Experience with PTC Windchill and CREO preferred.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, mentoring, and technical leadership skills.

Additional Requirements

• Travel requirements are approximately 15% for employees based in Wyoming, MN and approximately 25% for employees based in Novi, MI, with Novi-based employees expected to travel regularly to the Wyoming, MN Product Development Center and supplier locations.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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).