Design Engineer (Intake & Exhaust)

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 design, development, and validation of intake and exhaust systems for Polaris off-road vehicles, focusing on performance, sound, and system integration. In this role, you own system-level development from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers to deliver high-quality, high-performance solutions. You will define specifications, manage development plans, and ensure designs meet safety, reliability, cost, and timing targets. This role is a compelling opportunity because you directly influence vehicle performance characteristics that shape horsepower, sound, and overall product differentiation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end system integration of intake and exhaust systems into vehicle platforms
• Own development plans from concept through production, ensuring alignment to specifications, timing, and program deliverables
• Develop and maintain specifications, test procedures, design guidelines, DFMEA, and DVP&R documentation
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality, reliability, schedule, and cost objectives
• Create and release design documentation, ensuring accuracy and proper dimensioning using GD&T
• Lead and participate in design reviews to ensure cross-functional alignment and input
• Determine manufacturing methods to achieve design performance and cost targets
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to support design and development activities
• Quantify system performance through testing, data acquisition, and analysis
• Analyze field issues, implement corrective actions, and benchmark competitive designs

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in design and development engineering
• Experience with intake and/or exhaust system design and vehicle mechanical systems
• Experience with CAD tools such as CREO
• Experience with CAE tools, lab testing, and data acquisition preferred
• Strong understanding of product development processes and performance evaluation
• Ability to operate off-road vehicles for development and performance testing
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Travel as needed (up to 10%)
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship

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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $78,000 to $103,000 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).