Staff Engineer; Vibration Testing

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.Staff Engineer (Vibration Testing)

Position Overview:

As a Staff Test Engineer, you will lead electro-dynamic shaker (EDS) and multi-axial simulation table (MAST) durability testing and validation for vehicles, components, and subsystem assemblies. Translating real-world customer usage into laboratory-based validation methods, you will develop accelerated durability tests and provide technical leadership in vibration testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis. This role includes power spectral density (PSD) development, field-to-lab correlation, instrumentation planning, test-fixture development, and laboratory leadership.

Your work will influence vehicle durability strategy, advance laboratory validation methods, and support the delivery of reliable products for customers operating in demanding environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, perform, and oversee electro-dynamic shaker and multi-axial simulation table durability testing.
• Develop and execute vibration validation plans for vehicles, components, and subsystem assemblies.
• Create laboratory test profiles and accelerated durability methods using collected data and customer usage information.
• Lead and manage the design, development, fabrication, and implementation of test fixtures for vibration and durability validation activities.
• Plan and install instrumentation and collect data using accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, and displacement transducers.
• Analyze test data using frequency-domain techniques, including power spectral density development and durability correlation.
• Investigate test failures, support root-cause analysis, and provide engineering recommendations.
• Prioritize and schedule test requests to support project timelines and business needs.
• Collaborate with design, computer-aided engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to support product development and validation.
• Lead the continuous improvement of test methods, laboratory capabilities, and validation standards.
• Direct technicians and provide technical mentorship and leadership for testing activities and laboratory operations.

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.
• Critical Thinking:
You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
•

Collaboration:

You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in durability, vibration, test, or validation engineering.
• Experience with vibration testing, durability validation, data acquisition systems, instrumentation, signal processing, and fatigue analysis.
• Strong understanding of structural dynamics, vibration theory, and fatigue principles.
• Experience developing test methods and correlating laboratory results with field performance.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, project-management, and prioritization skills.
• Experience with electro-dynamic shaker and multi-axial simulation table testing is preferred.
• Experience using RPC Connect, nCode Glyph Works, Vibration Research, LMS Test.

Lab, MATLAB, or similar…