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 a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer for New Product Introduction, you will define and implement processes that enable high-quality, safe, and efficient final assembly production. You will partner with engineering, operations, and process technicians to develop documentation, tooling, standards, and workflows that support successful product launches. You will play a key role in ensuring production readiness while improving cost, quality, and manufacturability for new and updated products. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence launch outcomes and shape how products transition from development to full-scale production.
Key Responsibilities:
Plan, coordinate, and support production activities required for new product launches, including pilot builds, validations, and production ramp-up.
Develop, maintain, and ensure accuracy of process documentation, work instructions, and standard work in partnership with process technicians.
Conduct direct labor estimation based on CAD designs and establish operational standards.
Perform DFAM evaluations and provide feedback to design engineering to improve manufacturability, ergonomics, and assembly efficiency.
Define tooling and fixturing requirements and collaborate with tool designers on procurement, design, and implementation.
Lead PFMEA development and approval for new product launches to ensure risk identification and mitigation.
Analyze manufacturing methods and recommend improvements to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
Lead problem resolution activities using structured methodologies such as root cause analysis, 8D, and CAPA, and ensure closure of corrective actions.
Manage pre-production pilot builds, including planning, execution, and post-build reporting.
Support capital equipment initiatives, including scope definition, specification development, vendor coordination, and commissioning activities.
Develop and maintain standard cost models for new products to support launch decisions and make-versus-buy analysis.
Ensure compliance with safety, ergonomic, and regulatory requirements across processes and equipment.
Desired Competencies:
Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
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, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or a related process engineering role.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, final assembly operations, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and change management.
Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or Creo) and AutoCAD.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Power BI, OneNote, and MS Project.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage multiple priorities.
Experience with DFAM, automation, fixture or machinery design, or electrical/functional testing is preferred.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Fluency in English.
Ability to work on-site in manufacturing and R&D environments, including time on the production floor with adherence to safety protocols.
Ability to travel up to 25% to support suppliers or manufacturing sites.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $105,000 to $130,000 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).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechatronics, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related process engineering role.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, final assembly operations, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and change management.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or Creo) and AutoCAD.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Power BI, OneNote, and MS Project.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and managing multiple priorities.
- Experience with root cause analysis, 8D, and CAPA for problem resolution.
- Fluency in English.
- Ability to work on-site in manufacturing and R&D environments, including time on the production floor with adherence to safety protocols.
- Ability to travel up to 25% to support suppliers or manufacturing sites.
- Position is not eligible for sponsorship.
- Experience with DFAM, automation, fixture or machinery design, or electrical/functional testing.
