Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (NPI)

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.

Position Overview:

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer - NPI leads manufacturing readiness and launch execution for new product introductions across multiple Polaris manufacturing sites. Focused on paint and related back shop operations, this role develops processes, labor plans, tooling, equipment, masking strategies, quality controls, and production readiness plans. Collaborating with product development, operations, quality, and manufacturing teams, you will help achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while providing readiness oversight for additional operations, including injection molding. You can 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 reviews and recommend improvements to 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 for new product introductions.

Support capital planning activities, including equipment specifications, supplier selection, procurement, runoffs, installation, and commissioning.

Lead readiness activities for prototype, validation, pilot, and production-intent builds while managing risks and resolving issues.

Partner with quality teams to establish appearance standards, validation requirements, and process control methods.

Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality, process, tooling, and launch-related challenges.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing efficiency, quality, 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.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

Minimum 8 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 introductions, including Design for Manufacturing reviews, pilot builds, validation activities, and production launches.

Demonstrated project management experience and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with a continuous improvement mindset.

Proficiency with 3D CAD software, including SolidWorks or Creo, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Power BI, OneNote, and Microsoft Project.

MBA, project management certification, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP certification, or similar credentials preferred.

Fluency in English required; Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Availability to support ramp-up activities and occasional non-standard hours or shifts, with the ability to work in manufacturing environments and comply with applicable safety, personal protective equipment, and environmental requirements.

Ability to travel up to 25%, including travel to suppliers and manufacturing facilities.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-BM1

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.

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE. Apply today!

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.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

EEO Statement

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. Applicants with a disability that are in need o