Staff Engineer (Vibration Testing)

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.

Staff Engineer (Vibration Testing)

Position Overview:

As a Staff Test Engineer, you will lead electro-dynamic shaker (EDS) and multi-axial simulation table (MAST) durability testing and validation for vehicles, components, and subsystem assemblies. Translating real-world customer usage into laboratory-based validation methods, you will develop accelerated durability tests and provide technical leadership in vibration testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis. This role includes power spectral density (PSD) development, field-to-lab correlation, instrumentation planning, test-fixture development, and laboratory leadership. Your work will influence vehicle durability strategy, advance laboratory validation methods, and support the delivery of reliable products for customers operating in demanding environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, perform, and oversee electro-dynamic shaker and multi-axial simulation table durability testing.

• Develop and execute vibration validation plans for vehicles, components, and subsystem assemblies.

• Create laboratory test profiles and accelerated durability methods using collected data and customer usage information.

• Lead and manage the design, development, fabrication, and implementation of test fixtures for vibration and durability validation activities.

• Plan and install instrumentation and collect data using accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, and displacement transducers.

• Analyze test data using frequency-domain techniques, including power spectral density development and durability correlation.

• Investigate test failures, support root-cause analysis, and provide engineering recommendations.

• Prioritize and schedule test requests to support project timelines and business needs.

• Collaborate with design, computer-aided engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to support product development and validation.

• Lead the continuous improvement of test methods, laboratory capabilities, and validation standards.

• Direct technicians and provide technical mentorship and leadership for testing activities and laboratory operations.

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 engineering or a related technical field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in durability, vibration, test, or validation engineering.

• Experience with vibration testing, durability validation, data acquisition systems, instrumentation, signal processing, and fatigue analysis.

• Strong understanding of structural dynamics, vibration theory, and fatigue principles.

• Experience developing test methods and correlating laboratory results with field performance.

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, project-management, and prioritization skills.

• Experience with electro-dynamic shaker and multi-axial simulation table testing is preferred.

• Experience using RPC Connect, nCode GlyphWorks, Vibration Research, LMS Test.Lab, MATLAB, or similar software is preferred.

• Experience supporting vehicle, powersports, automotive, agricultural, or heavy-equipment product development is preferred.

• Experience leading laboratory operations, mentoring technicians, developing test fixtures, or establishing validation methodologies is preferred.

• This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds; bend, twist, turn, kneel, squat, and reach overhead; perform strong pinch and grip activities; and push or pull up to 100 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to travel up to 10% based on business needs. Travel is expected to be limited and flexible.

• Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs, team priorities, and employee development opportunities.

• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-CS99

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $109,000 to $144,000 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).