Senior Controls 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

You will provide technical leadership and support for industrial control systems across Polaris manufacturing facilities, helping ensure reliable equipment performance and efficient production operations. In this role, you will partner with manufacturing, maintenance, tooling, and engineering teams to implement automation solutions, improve processes, and support controls standards across multiple locations. You will contribute to the deployment of new equipment, integration of manufacturing technologies, and ongoing optimization of existing systems.

Reporting to the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team, you will support manufacturing initiatives across facilities in Huntsville, AL;
Monterrey, MX;
Roseau, MN; and Battle Ground, WA. This is a compelling opportunity to influence manufacturing performance across multiple sites while leading automation and controls initiatives with broad operational impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects involving the deployment, upgrade, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and control systems.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and recommend automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, reliability, and operational performance.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and integration of control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Integrate manufacturing control systems with MES platforms to support product quality and process visibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve controls, automation, and equipment-related issues to minimize downtime and support production objectives.
• Train production and maintenance personnel on control system operation, maintenance, and programming practices.
• Partner with tooling, manufacturing, and engineering teams in the development and implementation of new tooling and manufacturing solutions.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, and related control system programming to support production requirements and process improvements.
• Develop standards, machine specifications, and controls documentation to support manufacturing equipment and applications.
• Support the development, justification, and execution of long-range manufacturing and automation plans aligned with business objectives.
• Prepare and present technical reports, project documentation, and presentations for stakeholders across the organization.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, quality requirements, safety standards, and OSHA regulations.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred. Or relevant experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years of directly related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs, including Control Logix and Micro Logix platforms.
• Experience with Allen Bradley Panel View Plus HMIs and Allen Bradley VFDs.
• Experience troubleshooting and commissioning industrial fieldbus networks, including Ethernet/IP and Device Net.
• Experience creating and modifying electrical schematics using AutoCAD.
• Experience managing Kepware Client and  communications.
• Knowledge of assembly process design, optimization, industrial equipment design, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience with electrical panel design and construction.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Travel required up to 50% for positions based in Minnesota or up to 25% for positions based in Alabama.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.