Polaris Industries Inc

Engineering Manager (Powertrain Test)

Polaris Industries Inc$126K — $166K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years in powertrain development or laboratory engineering.
  • Prior leadership experience managing engineering teams is preferred.
  • Strong understanding of engine and powertrain systems and testing methodologies.
  • Experience with dynamometer systems and emissions testing preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and drive cross-functional outcomes.
  • Excellent communication skills for influencing across functions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a test engineering team across multiple powertrain labs.
  • Own performance of laboratory systems and engineering support.
  • Establish team priorities and accountability for technical ownership.
  • Drive resolution of complex lab issues with effective cross-functional alignment.
  • Improve lab uptime and responsiveness to program needs.
  • Plan and allocate resources for optimal lab operations.
  • Identify gaps in resources and processes and develop mitigation plans.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence lab capability and improve testing efficiency.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams including product development and validation.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies in powertrain development.
  • Participation in capital planning and budgeting processes.
  • Flexibility in managing occasional off-hours support and travel as needed.
Full Job Description
Position Overview:

You will lead the Powertrain Test Engineering team supporting Polaris Powertrain Laboratories. In this role, you will be accountable for laboratory system performance, engineering support, resource alignment, technical capability, capital planning, and continuous improvement across multiple lab environments. You will work closely with product engineering, validation, lab operations, facilities, IT, vendors, and external partners to ensure test infrastructure and processes support efficient powertrain development and product delivery. This is a compelling opportunity to influence lab capability, improve testing efficiency, and help shape the systems and investments that support future powertrain development.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of test engineers supporting multiple powertrain laboratory functions.
  • Own overall performance of powertrain laboratory systems and engineering support across development and validation labs.
  • Establish priorities, expectations, accountability, and technical ownership within the test engineering team.
  • Drive resolution of complex lab and testing issues by ensuring clear ownership, timely closure, and effective cross-functional alignment.
  • Improve lab uptime, test readiness, throughput, data quality, and responsiveness to program needs.
  • Plan and allocate engineering resources supporting powertrain lab operations while balancing workload, priorities, and technical support across labs.
  • Identify resource, capability, and process gaps and develop mitigation plans to support business priorities.
  • Own development and execution of the powertrain lab capital roadmap, including project definition, justification, prioritization, and implementation.
  • Lead near-term and long-term lab capability roadmap planning aligned to product development needs, regulatory requirements, and future technologies.
  • Partner with lab managers, product development, validation, field performance, facilities, IT, vendors, and external partners to support lab operations and improvements.
  • Manage powertrain lab-related budgets, including labor, capital, and expenses.
  • Define, track, and improve key lab performance metrics such as utilization, downtime, throughput, and quality.

Desired Competencies:
  • Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.
  • Business Acumen: You understand how your work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and you make decisions with the broader business context in mind.
  • Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in powertrain development, testing, or laboratory engineering.
  • Prior leadership experience managing engineering teams is preferred.
  • Strong understanding of engine and powertrain systems, testing methodologies, and laboratory environments.
  • Experience with dynamometer systems, emissions testing, and test data analysis is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and drive cross-functional outcomes.
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
  • Financial and project management experience, including capital planning and budgeting, is preferred.
  • Ability to support work in a powertrain development and laboratory environment with regular interaction across test labs, dyno facilities, and engineering teams.
  • Occasional off-hours support may be required for critical testing or issue resolution.
  • Travel as required, typically less than 10%.
  • This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-CS99

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $126,000 to $166,000 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.

About Polaris Industries Inc

Polaris Industries Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Polaris Industries Inc, a leader in the powersports industry, and propel your career to new heights with unparalleled job opportunities. At Polaris, innovation and leadership drive us forward, and we invite you to be a part of our trailblazing journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Polaris Industries Inc, you will collaborate with a global team of professionals dedicated to setting benchmarks in the powersports sector. Our commitment to excellence in innovation and diversity training ensures that every team member is equipped to contribute to our shared goals effectively.

Lead with Innovation

Step into a role at Polaris Industries Inc and lead projects that redefine industry standards. Our culture thrives on innovation and leadership, fostering a workspace where forward-thinking and proactive problem-solving are at the forefront.

Engage in Meaningful Work

Join our market-leading team and help drive digital transformation across the industry. Polaris Industries Inc is not just about powersports; it's about creating experiences that resonate with our customers worldwide. Your work will directly impact our success, enhancing how our customers engage with the outdoors.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Polaris Industries Inc is deeply committed to the professional growth of its employees. With a variety of career paths available, the potential for advancement is substantial. We support your professional journey with robust training programs, leadership development opportunities, and a commitment to promoting from within.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Polaris internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, develop essential skills, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships offer a hands-on approach to learning and development, paired with real-world projects that prepare you for future employment.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Polaris Industries Inc, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes professionals from all backgrounds, encouraging a diverse range of thoughts and ideas. Diversity training is integral to our operations, ensuring that all team members feel valued and understood.

Benefits and Culture

Choose a career at Polaris Industries Inc and enjoy not just a job but a lifestyle. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members in achieving a healthy work-life balance, including health, vision, and dental insurance, employee discounts, and more. Our company culture champions enthusiasm, dedication, and passion, with a focus on maintaining a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Join Our Team

Explore the job opportunities at Polaris Industries Inc and find the position that matches your skills and interests. We are hiring creative, curious, and driven individuals ready to make a significant impact in the powersports industry. Whether you are looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a leadership role, Polaris offers a path that aligns with your career aspirations.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Polaris Industries Inc: - **Career Tips**: Get insider perspectives and industry-leading insights to enhance your professional journey. - **Networking Events**: Connect with leaders and peers within the industry through our networking events and online communities. - **Job Alerts**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences.

Apply Now

Ready to accelerate your career? Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a team that’s redefining an industry. At Polaris Industries Inc, your future is waiting.
Learn more about Polaris Industries Inc
Size
16,000 employees
Market Cap
$5.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$124.8 million
Founded
1954
5 Year Trend
+12.7%
Revenue
$7 billion
NASDAQ

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