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.
This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
Position Overview:
As a Senior Transmission Design Engineer, you will lead the design and development of transmission components, subsystems, and full systems from concept through production. You will translate functional requirements into robust designs by driving analysis, modeling, validation, and cross-functional collaboration. In this role, you will guide design reviews, influence manufacturing methods, and resolve issues across the development cycle to ensure quality, timing, and cost targets are met. Your work directly shapes the performance and durability of Polaris engine and driveline systems, providing a high-impact opportunity to own complex transmission technologies across multiple programs.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead design activities for engine and transmission components, subsystems, and systems—including schedule creation, concept development, and detailed 3D modeling.
• Perform or oversee required engineering analyses such as DFMEA and FEA to ensure design suitability.
• Lead and participate in design reviews with cross-functional stakeholders and coordinate with interfacing system owners.
• Select manufacturing methods and lead supplier DFM discussions to ensure manufacturability and quality.
• Support validation and development activities, including DVP&R execution and issue resolution for supplier, manufacturing, test, and field problems.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to support design progress and run-at-rate activities at supplier sites.
• Mentor and guide designers and engineers, leveraging subject matter expertise in areas such as rotating components, lubrication, shift mechanisms, or housings.
• Lead ownership of complex transmission components, subsystems, systems, and programs across multiple concurrent projects.
• Support drivetrain and powertrain system integration into chassis environments and contribute to organizational knowledge-management activities.
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:
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Minimum 5 years of transmission or related design engineering experience; or 3+ years with an M.S. degree.
• 8+ years of significant component manufacturing and application experience.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software, preferably PTC Creo.
Proficient with gear and drive system modelling using MASTA, ROMAX, KISSsoft, or similar software.
• Experience in one or more areas of transmission design, including gears, shafts, bearings, shift mechanisms, CVTs, clutches, housings, breathers, lubrication, splines, or bolted joints.
• Knowledge of systems engineering, requirements management, GD&T, FMEA, DVP&R, and tolerance analysis.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and influencing skills with the ability to lead and mentor others.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple programs with a focus on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work in environments that require occasional supplier visits and support for run-at-rate activities.
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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $97,000 to $115,000 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).