Mechanical Engineer – Driveline​/Powertrain 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.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship

We are seeking an experienced engineering professional to lead design, development, and strategic advancement of driveline systems for our Off‑Road Vehicle (ORV) platforms. This expert‑level role demands a deep understanding of driveline architecture, component integration, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver industry‑leading performance and reliability.

• Lead the full lifecycle development of advanced driveline systems including transmissions, right‑angle drives, prop shafts, and half shafts.
• Define and drive system‑level requirements using a rigorous Systems Engineering approach, ensuring alignment with vehicle performance targets and program objectives.
• Architect and validate complex mechanical systems, leveraging DFMEA, DVP&R, and robust specification documentation.
• Champion design excellence through technical reviews, benchmarking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with product management, sourcing, operations, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration and production readiness.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation within the team.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for field and manufacturing issues.
• Drive vehicle testing and validation, including hands‑on evaluation of ORV platforms in real‑world conditions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience preferred in driveline or powertrain system design and development.
• Expert‑level proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., Pro‑E/Creo).
• Proven experience with system‑level specification development and bolted joint design.
• Strong foundation in GD&T, tolerance stack‑ups, and FMEA methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to design for strength, weight, and manufacturability.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence across teams and functions.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10%) for technical collaboration and field testing.

• Deep knowledge of driveline component manufacturing processes: casting, forging, machining, plastic molding (injection, blow), and rubber hose/ducting.
• Hands‑on experience with FEA/CFD tools and post‑processing for system optimization.
• Familiarity with PTC Windchill PLM and lab‑based testing/data acquisition systems.
• Passion for off‑road vehicle performance and development, including field testing and competitive benchmarking.

• Fast‑paced, innovation‑driven engineering culture focused on delivering cutting‑edge vehicle technologies.
• Frequent engagement in field testing, shop fabrication, and prototype development.
• Collaborative, cross‑disciplinary team environment with a strong emphasis on technical leadership and product excellence.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $100,000 to $145,000 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…