Sr. Design Engineer (Driveline Systems)

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:

You will lead the design and development of transmission, driveline, and engine systems from concept through production. In this role, you will be responsible for geartrain-focused engineering activities including gears, shafts, bearings, splines, chain drives, and related components while ensuring designs meet performance, quality, timing, and cost objectives. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing partners, and validation teams to deliver robust and manufacturing solutions. This is a compelling opportunity to own complex powertrain systems and influence the development of products that require advanced mechanical design, analysis, and system integration expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of driveline, transmission, and engine systems and components from concept through production.

• Develop and manage system, subsystem, and component design schedules to support program timing objectives.

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for gears, shafts, bearings, splines, chain drives, and related powertrain components.

• Perform and support drivetrain analysis, including gear mesh and load modeling, using specialized engineering analysis tools.

• Conduct or oversee engineering analyses, including DFMEA, FEA, and other evaluations to ensure design suitability and performance.

• Lead and participate in design reviews while collaborating with stakeholders and owners of interfacing systems.

• Select appropriate manufacturing methods for components and collaborate with suppliers on design-for-manufacturing activities.

• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and design documentation.

• Support validation activities, including DVP&R planning and execution.

• Investigate and resolve supplier, manufacturing, testing, and field-related issues using structured problem-solving methods.

• Coordinate internal and external engineering resources as needed to support program execution.

• Provide technical mentorship, support engineering best practices, and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical, powertrain, transmission, driveline, or gear system design.

• Significant experience with component manufacturing processes and applications.

• Experience with 3D CAD modeling software; Creo experience is preferred.

• Experience with one or more of the following: gear design, shaft design, bearing sizing, shift mechanisms, CVTs, clutches, splines, or chain drive systems.

• Experience with drivetrain analysis tools such as MASTA, ROMAX, KISSsoft, or similar engineering software.

• Systems engineering and requirements management experience.

• Experience with GD&T, FMEA, DVP&R, and tolerance analysis.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and lead effectively in a team environment.

• Commitment to innovation, quality, and continuous process improvement.

• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $98,000 to $129,000 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.