Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer (New Product Introduction)

About the job

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

As a Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer, you will lead suppliers through the New Product Introduction (NPI) process to ensure high-quality components and assemblies are successfully launched into production. You will partner closely with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, and supplier development teams to validate manufacturability, drive quality planning activities, and proactively mitigate risks before production launch.

This role supports a variety of commodities and manufacturing processes across the supplier base, including electronics, castings, machined components, and assemblies. The ideal candidate brings a strong supplier quality foundation, proven problem-solving skills, and the ability to quickly learn new products, technologies, and manufacturing processes. You will play a key role in assessing supplier readiness, improving supplier performance, and helping deliver reliable, high-quality Polaris products.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier execution of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for assigned suppliers, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams during design reviews to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
• Review high-risk designs and components to ensure accurate identification of Key Product Characteristics and appropriate application of GD&T principles.
• Assess supplier PFMEAs and control plans to confirm risks are addressed and controls are fully implemented.
• Promote supplier use of SPC and continuous improvement tools to monitor and reduce process variability.
• Conduct process and production readiness assessments at supplier facilities and drive closure of identified gaps.
• Support supplier onboarding by assessing prospective suppliers and aligning with sourcing and supplier development teams.
• Perform supplier quality system audits, initiate corrective actions, and support supplier development activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate PPAP execution, including review, disposition, and support to achieve compliance for pre-production and production builds.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications for manufacturing feasibility and compliance with quality and commodity requirements.
• Lead or support cross-functional problem-solving activities to address quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with purchasing, engineering, plant quality, and suppliers to reduce non-conformances and supplier PPM.
• Review supplier process change requests and coordinate cross-functional evaluation and validation activities.
• Provide input on supplier suitability for future business awards and support continuous improvement of supplier quality systems.

Desired Competencies

• Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate alternatives, and apply sound judgment to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.
• Collaboration: You work effectively across functions and organizational levels, building strong relationships to achieve shared goals.
• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply technical and professional knowledge to drive quality improvements and maintain expertise within your discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting supplier quality activities within one or more manufacturing environments, such as electronics, castings, machining, fabricated components, assemblies, or other technical commodities.
• Working knowledge of AIAG Core Tools, including APQP, Control Plans, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC, as well as methodologies such as 8D, DOE, and CAPA.
• Strong technical problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate and influence at multiple levels of the organization.
• Experience with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with cross-functional teams and a diverse global supply base.
• Project management experience and familiarity with project tracking tools.
• Experience supporting suppliers of electronic components and/or castings, machining preferred.
• Experience conducting supplier process audits and production readiness assessments preferred.
• Experience working with global suppliers and supporting new product launches preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $90,000 to $116,000 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.

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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 Talent.Acquisition@Polaris.com.  To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: *Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).