Supplier Quality Engineer (NPI / NPD)

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 Supplier Quality Engineer on the NPI team, you will lead supplier quality planning and risk mitigation for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs to support on-time, compliant, and high-quality product launches. You will own supplier-related quality strategies across scope, timeline, risk, qualification, and communication, aligning work to product development scorecard deliverables. In this role, you will partner with project management, engineering, sourcing, validation, manufacturing, and supplier quality teams to identify risks, drive mitigation plans, and support supplier readiness throughout the NPI lifecycle. This is a compelling opportunity to influence product launch outcomes, work across a broad technical and operational network, and drive supplier quality processes at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute supplier risk mitigation and qualification strategies using APQP and related quality tools to meet product development objectives.
• Identify supplier timing, capability, and readiness risks, and drive mitigation plans aligned with overall program milestones.
• Lead supplier quality activities across cross-functional teams, including project management, engineering, sourcing, validation, manufacturing, and NPI Commodity Supplier Quality Engineers.
• Ensure PPAP compliance no later than product validation builds.
• Communicate supplier quality risks, status, and mitigation plans through project reviews and integrated program team forums.
• Provide supplier quality input to support sourcing decisions and assess supplier suitability for future business awards.
• Partner with project and product engineering to understand technical risks, design changes, and their impact on supplier APQP requirements.
• Support design and component reviews for high-risk parts, including Key Product Characteristics, GD&T application, and manufacturing and measurement feasibility.
• Collaborate with engineering and NPI Commodity Supplier Quality Engineers to support effective Design for Manufacturability, Design for Assembly, and Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis execution.
• Drive disciplined problem-solving methods for supplier and project-related quality issues.
• Capture, document, and share lessons learned and best practices across programs and teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including lean process development and value-added engineering or quality projects.

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.
• Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in engineering or quality.
• NPI / NPD project management experience.
• CAPM and/or PMP certification preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Advanced knowledge of quality tools, including APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, FMEA, Control Plans, DOE, and Quality Systems.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships across cross-functional teams and a global supply base.
• Ability to work autonomously in an evolving environment.
• Able to travel up to 15%, primarily within North America, with occasional travel to EMEA.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $85,000 to $100,000 per year. We determine individual salaries and positioning within the range based on a wide range 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. 

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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).