Sr. Supplier Development Engineer

Position Overview

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. 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.

• 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.

• Problem Solving – identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
• Technical / Functional Expertise – apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform the role effectively and stay current within the area of expertise.
• Business Acumen – understand how work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and make decisions with the broader business context in mind.

• 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.

Salary range for Minnesota: $90,000 to $115,000 per year.

Polaris offers competitive compensation, a profit‑sharing plan, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) matching contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance, disability coverage, and financial wellness education and consultation.

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.