Position Overview:You will lead paint manufacturing readiness and launch execution activities for new product introductions across multiple Polaris manufacturing sites. In this role, you will develop and implement paint processes, labor planning, tooling, equipment, masking strategies, quality controls, and production readiness plans to support successful product launches. You will collaborate with product development, operations, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment and achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while also providing oversight of readiness activities in additional back shop operations, including injection molding. This role offers the opportunity to influence manufacturing strategy, support complex product launches, and drive operational readiness across multiple facilities.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead manufacturing readiness activities and program deliverables for paint and related back shop operations from concept through start of production.
- Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFAM) reviews and provide recommendations to improve manufacturability, quality, ergonomics, and cost.
- Collaborate with product engineering, operations, quality, manufacturing engineering, and subject matter experts to develop and execute launch plans.
- Develop labor estimates, capacity plans, paint consumption calculations, and manufacturing cost models to support program planning and execution.
- Define tooling, fixtures, masking systems, racks, carts, and equipment requirements to support new product introductions.
- Support capital planning activities, including equipment specifications, supplier selection, procurement, runoffs, installation, and commissioning.
- Lead prototype, validation, pilot, and production-intent build readiness activities while managing risks and issue resolution.
- Partner with quality teams to establish appearance standards, validation requirements, and process control methods.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to address quality, process, tooling, and launch-related challenges.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing efficiency, quality enhancement, standardization, and cost reduction.
- Prepare and present launch readiness updates, project risks, recommendations, and status reports to leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Manage multiple projects and launch activities across manufacturing locations while maintaining schedules, budgets, and key deliverables.
Desired Competencies:- Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
- Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
- Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
- Minimum 8-10 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including paint, coatings, surface finishing, manufacturing launch activities, or related areas.
- Strong knowledge of paint processes, masking systems, tooling, fixtures, labor planning, and quality systems.
- Experience supporting new product introduction activities, including DFAM reviews, pilot builds, validation activities, and production launches.
- Demonstrated project management experience and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo), AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Power BI, OneNote, and MS Project.
- MBA, Project Management Certification, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP certification, or similar credentials preferred.
- Fluent English required; Spanish language proficiency preferred.
- Availability to support ramp-up activities and occasional non-standard hours or shifts.
- Ability to work in manufacturing environments and comply with applicable safety, PPE, and environmental requirements.
- Up to 25% travel required, including travel to suppliers and manufacturing facilities.
- This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $88,000 to $130,000 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.
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 of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.
