Sr. Specialist Engineer - Bolted Joints

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:

As the Senior Specialist Engineer for Bolted Joints, you will serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for fasteners and bolted joint design within Off-Road Vehicles, with broader influence on fastener strategy and standardization across Polaris. Providing technical leadership in fastener selection, joint design, and problem-solving, this role collaborates with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, quality, service, and supplier partners. You will translate complex data and engineering findings into clear recommendations while building alignment and influencing technical direction across a global, matrixed organization. This position offers significant ownership of the standards, tools, and practices that improve bolted joint performance and fastener commonality across products and programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical authority for fasteners and bolted joints, resolving complex issues across new product development and current production.

• Analyze complex technical data and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations for engineering, program, manufacturing, and organizational leaders.

• Evaluate deviations, drawing changes, validation activities, and other engineering changes affecting fastener or bolted joint performance, and provide technically sound recommendations.

• Review and approve bolted joint test requests, new fastener part numbers, drawings, and related technical requirements.

• Lead fastener standardization and governance, including developing and maintaining the Polaris standard fastener library to improve commonality across products and programs.

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve bolted joint and fastener design guidelines, engineering standards, analysis tools, standard work, and supporting technical documentation.

• Provide technical leadership on the Polaris Engineering Critical Peer Team for Bolted Joints and Fasteners, advancing alignment, knowledge sharing, and engineering practices across the organization.

• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives and influence teams across functions, product groups, sites, and countries to advance bolted joint performance, standardization, and business objectives.

• Mentor engineers in bolted joint design, analysis methods, fastener selection, and application of the standard fastener library.

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 or a related engineering field.

• At least 5 years of related product design, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering experience.

• Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, failure mode and effects analysis, dimensional tolerance analysis, engineering drawings, and their application to fastener engineering standards.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical data, exercise sound engineering judgment, and develop data-driven recommendations.

• Experience using 3-D computer-aided design systems; experience with Creo is preferred.

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build alignment across cross-functional, matrixed, and global organizations without direct authority.

• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, organizational skills, and the ability to manage priorities independently.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Power BI or a similar data visualization tool is preferred.

• An advanced degree, experience with fasteners and bolted joint applications, or knowledge of fastener mechanics, joint behavior, clamp load, coefficient of friction, fastener strength, and torque-tension relationships is preferred.

• Experience with bolted joint analysis and validation methods, including ultrasonic measurement, torque-to-failure testing, and Skidmore testing, is preferred.

• Experience with Windchill or a similar product lifecycle management system is preferred.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to engineering, manufacturing, supplier, and technology partner locations.

• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-CS99

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $98,000 to $121,000 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).