Engineering Manager (Vehicle Dynamics Design)

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 Off-Road Vehicle -Vehicle Dynamics Design team responsible for suspension, steering, running gear, brake systems, and related chassis components. In this role, you will oversee system and component design, development, release, and validation while ensuring solutions meet vehicle-level performance, quality, cost, manufacturability, and compliance expectations. You will guide a global engineering team, partner across functions, and support execution across multiple vehicle programs. This is a compelling opportunity to influence vehicle dynamics performance at a systems level while building engineering capability and improving design execution across current and future ORV platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary global engineering team responsible for vehicle dynamics systems and components, including suspension, steering, running gear, and brakes.
• Oversee component and system design, development, release, and validation to deliver cost-effective, high-performance, compliant, and quality solutions.
• Align vehicle dynamics system designs with overall vehicle architecture and attribute targets to support cohesive vehicle-level performance.
• Provide technical direction, vision, and decision-making support to drive engineering excellence across programs.
• Collaborate with CAE, testing, manufacturing, suppliers, program management, and other cross-functional partners to support execution and shared accountability for program outcomes.
• Establish and improve processes, standards, and workflows for component design, release, and validation across multiple programs.
• Champion DFM/DFA principles to improve product quality, cost, manufacturability, and execution efficiency.
• Support systems engineering practices and best practices across chassis systems development.
• Manage budgets, labor planning, and project expenses in alignment with strategic goals.
• Partner with suppliers and external engineering resources to deliver high-quality components and remain aligned with industry trends and innovations.
• Support technical reviews, prototype builds, vehicle testing, tuning activities, and issue resolution throughout development cycles.
• Identify capability gaps and future skill needs, then support talent acquisition and development strategies to build a strong engineering team.

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.
• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• 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 or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of product engineering experience with strong competency in vehicle dynamics systems, including suspension, steering, braking, and chassis design.
• Proven experience leading technical teams and complex programs within matrixed, cross-functional, and global organizational environments.
• Demonstrated expertise guiding mechanical system and component development to meet vehicle-level performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Strong understanding of component design and release processes, DV/PV validation, and vehicle development cycles.
• Experience working with cross-functional partners such as CAE, testing, manufacturing, suppliers, and program management.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $141,000 to $186,000 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 [email protected].  To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).