Position OverviewPolaris is seeking a Staff Engineer - Door Systems to serve as the technical leader and subject matter expert for Side-by-Side door systems across multiple vehicle platforms.
This role is responsible for defining, developing, integrating, and validating complete door system architectures from concept through production. The Staff Engineer will provide technical leadership across all aspects of the door system including structure, latching systems, hinges, seals, glass, trim, fit and finish, customer experience, durability, and manufacturability.
Working closely with program architects, design engineers, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and product leadership, this individual will drive system-level decisions and ensure door system performance meets customer, cost, quality, and timing objectives.
The ideal candidate combines deep-door system expertise with the ability to think broadly across vehicle architecture, manufacturing, supplier capabilities, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities- Serve as the technical owner and subject matter expert for complete door systems across multiple vehicle programs.
- Define and maintain door system architecture, requirements, performance targets, specifications, and engineering standards.
- Lead technical development of door systems from concept through production launch and ongoing product improvements.
- Drive system-level decisions involving door structures, hinges, latches, seals, glass, trim, interfaces, and customer touchpoints.
- Partner with vehicle architects and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful integration of door systems within the overall vehicle architecture.
- Lead development of system requirements, DFMEAs, DVP&R activities, validation plans, and technical reviews.
- Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative solutions, resolve technical issues, and improve product performance.
- Analyze field and warranty issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Influence future product strategies, standards, and best practices related to door systems and closure technologies.
- Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance across the organization.
- Identify and advocate for innovations in technologies, processes, and supplier partnerships that improve door system performance and customer experience.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired CompetenciesTechnical Leadership: Demonstrates deep expertise in door system architecture and applies sound engineering judgment to complex technical challenges.
Systems Thinking: Understands interactions across vehicle systems and effectively balances performance, cost, quality, timing, and customer requirements.
Critical Thinking: Analyzes information objectively, evaluates alternatives, and applies sound judgment to solve complex engineering problems.
Collaboration: Builds effective partnerships across engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing, and quality organizations.
Influence: Effectively communicates technical concepts and drives alignment across stakeholders.
Qualifications- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- Minimum 8 years of engineering experience focused on automotive, powersports, commercial vehicle, agricultural construction equipment, or off-road vehicle door systems, closure systems, or related vehicle access systems.
- Demonstrated experience owning door system development from concept through production.
- Proficient with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package required.
- Strong understanding of complete vehicle door systems, with demonstrated experience balancing architecture, performance, durability, manufacturability, cost, supplier capabilities, and customer requirements.
- Experience leading system-level engineering decisions across multiple stakeholders and functions.
- Experience working directly with suppliers on component development and technical issue resolution.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack analysis, DFMEA, DVP&R, and product validation processes.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling tools.
- Experience with PTC Windchill and CREO preferred.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, mentoring, and technical leadership skills.
Additional Requirements- Travel requirements are approximately 15% for employees based in Wyoming, MN and approximately 25% for employees based in Novi, MI, with Novi-based employees expected to travel regularly to the Wyoming, MN Product Development Center and supplier locations.
- This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
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The starting pay range for Minnesota is $109,000 to $144,000 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.
