About this role
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.
JOB SUMMARY :
The Sr. Powertrain Calibration Lead Engineer owns the calibration strategy and delivery for next-generation Polaris powertrains, from requirements definition through production release. This role leads a team of calibration engineers, drives cross-functional alignment with module leads, controls, design, development, and validation teams, and communicates calibration status and risk to all levels of the engineering organization through the Product Development Process (PDP).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Calibration Strategy & Planning
- Define and document calibration requirements (performance, drivability, emissions, durability, and diagnostics) at program start, aligned with program and vehicle objectives.
- Develop and own the calibration plan, work breakdown, timing, and resource needs (engineers, dyno, and vehicle assets) aligned to program milestones.
- Lead calibration maturity reviews at each PDP gate; track and report progress and risk using standardized metrics, tools, and processes.
- Develop and specify the test procedures and equipment needed for powertrain performance and control system development testing on Polaris vehicles.
Technical Leadership
- Lead a team of calibration engineers through all calibration work packages; assign work, set technical direction, and remove barriers to meet program goals and milestones.
- Mentor and develop calibration engineers, building technical depth and capability across the team.
- Own calibration technical decisions, balancing performance, emissions, durability, and program risk.
- Lead the team to quickly resolve issues and Incident Reports (IRs) through root cause failure analysis; find and recommend practical solutions for specific failure modes related to calibration parameters.
Cross-Functional Integration
- Partner with the module lead, design, and development teams to ensure hardware systems can meet program objectives.
- Represent calibration in engine control module (ECM) software requirements and change reviews; work with controls systems engineers to recommend and validate algorithm changes that meet program objectives and timing.
- Identify calibration risks early and drive them into the DFMEA and DVP&R.
- Act as the bridge between project management, executive management, and the calibration team; clearly communicate status, risks, and decisions.
- Direct resources across multiple Powertrain and product group engineering sites.
Release & Compliance
- Lead calibration development of pre-production engines and vehicles to ensure programs meet all government-mandated emissions regulations with Polaris-specified margins and vehicle performance objectives.
- Support EPA/CARB emissions certification, including deterioration factor and durability testing, in partnership with the regulatory and compliance teams.
- Deliver production calibration files that meet or exceed requirements for performance, drivability, and emissions.
- Own calibration data management and release control, including version control, change tracking, and sign-off.
- Provide calibration and end-of-line testing support at engine and vehicle assembly plants as required.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead and contribute to the Calibration Peer Team; define, improve, and enforce calibration processes, standards, and best practices.
- Drive improvements in calibration tools, methods, and automation to increase efficiency and quality.
- Partner with service teams to monitor field and customer data and ensure calibrations meet expectations after production.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES
- Achievement Oriented
- Collaborating with Others
- Process Mindset
- Ensuring Accountability
- Developing Talent
- Technical Judgment & Decision-Making
- Communication & Influence
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Required
- BS or MS in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related) with 5+ year experience
- 2+ years leading calibration work, including taking a calibration through production release.
- Strong knowledge of engine fundamentals with respect to controls, performance, and emissions.
- Experience in base engine calibration (torque structure, airflow, spark, and fueling), transient response and drivability, cold start, and component protection.
- Proficiency with ETAS INCA and/or Vector CANape, vehicle CAN, and A2L/MDF calibration data handling.
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Concerto and MATLAB, and with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work effectively with domestic and international technology partners.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time.
Preferred
- Experience developing engine emissions control systems (closed-loop fueling, catalyst, etc.) and supporting EPA/CARB certification.
- Experience with OBD/diagnostics calibration.
- Experience with Simulink and ASCET, and with Python or other scripting for data automation.
- Hands-on experience with small, powersports, or automotive engines.
- Direct experience operating off-road vehicle (ORV) products.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Fast-paced dyno, test, and field environment.
- Field testing in hot, cold, and high-altitude conditions with ORV products
- Travel up to 25%
The starting pay range for Minnesota is $96,000 to $127,000 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 of an accommodation to complete the application process, or otherwise need assistance or an accommodation in the recruiting process, should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or [email protected] . To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) .