Sr. Supplier Development Engineer

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. Supplier Development Engineer, you will strengthen the performance and reliability of our global supply base by working directly with suppliers to resolve quality issues and drive systemic improvement. You will use your expertise in engineering, operations, and quality to assess supplier capabilities, guide corrective actions, and influence long-term supplier performance. You will partner with internal teams to ensure suppliers meet our standards and support business goals. This role offers you the opportunity to make a measurable impact on supply chain performance through technical leadership and ownership of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier development activities with critical suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and capability.
• Monitor performance trends and drive improvement initiatives through the Supplier Continuous Improvement Program (SCIP).
• Conduct Quality Management System (QMS) assessments and lead corrective actions to align suppliers with Polaris requirements.
• Ensure timely and effective execution of Root Cause Analysis and Corrective/Preventive Actions (CAR/CAPA).
• Support suppliers in identifying true root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Train and promote the use of quality tools, including SPC, DOE, 8D, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Polaris-specific processes.
• Prepare and update executive summaries to communicate supplier development status and progress.
• Monitor supplier KPIs such as DPM, delivery performance, and CAPA timeliness in coordination with Supplier Quality.
• Initiate No New Business (NNB) requests for non‑viable suppliers and support coordinated exit strategies.
• Lead proactive improvement projects that support departmental goals and enhance processes such as SCIP, CSL, and NNB.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sourcing, Supplier Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing.

Desired Competencies:

• 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.
• Business Acumen: You understand how your work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and you make decisions with the broader business context in mind.

Qualifications:

• BS degree in Engineering
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Quality Engineering
• Strong technical problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in all of the following Quality Core Tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across functions and with global suppliers
• Ability to write technical reports and present effectively across organizational levels
• Currently certified in one or more of the following (or similar recognized credentials): Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Shainin Red X Master/Journeyman, or Certified Quality Engineer
• Preferred: Certified ISO 9001, IATF 16949 auditor, bilingual in Spanish
• Up to 30% North American travel required
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $90,000 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. 

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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 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).