Polaris is seeking an experienced engineer to join the marine innovation team as Staff Engineer – Platform Architect. This role will establish and oversee the cross functional technical deliverables for vehicle platforms. This includes supporting Key Product Characteristic (KPC) setting for the vehicle, ensuring the architecture supports delivering the KPCs and Vehicle Level Requirements, and supporting the necessary technical tradeoffs through development of the project. The Platform Architect also balances tactical trade-offs and problem solving with the long-term strategic thinking for future platforming and architectures that meet long-term business objectives.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Establish requirements, specifications, and key product characteristics for vehicle platforms: overall vessel attribute targets (including dimensions, features, electronic controls, ride and handling, and powertrain/driveline objectives). 

• Lead the technical resolution of cross-functional conflicts in the early phases of product development to balance customer requirements and business objectives 

• Ensure architectures are appropriately balanced to deliver attributes from the most effective domain (mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, software). 

• Develop and communicate the technology integration plan for the platform and sub-systems technology insertion plans 

• Communication of targets by developing and cascading product concepts, functional concepts of operation, feature requirements, and working cross-functionally throughout design processes to ensure targets are met 

• Apply principles of the Systems Engineering discipline to develop attribute, system, and subsystem targets 

• Facilitate technical trade-offs between platform attributes, subsystems, and cross-domain opportunities in system architecture while protecting the customer facing KPC’s 

• Ensure design integration and geometric compatibility with mechanical and occupant package objectives 

• Ensure design integration and information/electronic compatibility between electrical system components 

• Identify attribute compatibility issues, and develop solution alternatives considering trade-offs (quality, function, weight, cost, assembly feasibility, flexibility, software etc.) 

• Take a proactive, leadership role by acting as a customer advocate and technical ‘referee’ for attribute design, packaging, and features efforts 

• Benchmark competitive products and innovations 

• Perform and/or coordinate packaging trade studies to meet or define integration requirements 

• Interact effectively across the organization: program management, customers, component engineering, design, manufacturing, and senior management 

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE 

• BS or MS in engineering 

• 9+ years of Marine product engineering experience, 

• Strong understanding of the Marine industry and associated technical design, compliance, standards, environment, and application(s).  

• Experienced with composites, fiberglass, and marine manufacturing methods  

• Experience with jet-propulsion and other forms of marine drives.  

• Experience with powertrain integration 

• Proven ability to progress mechanical design solutions for complex systems 

• Knowledge of all phases of Product Development 

• Passion for engineering and product excellence 

• Capable of working efficiently on a small team  

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills 

• Overall vessel, attribute, and functional hardware knowledge 

• Design for manufacturing and assembly plant experience 

• Proficient in design and CAD software (Creo preferred) 

• Testing and/or Drive Evaluation experience (preferred)  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Some travel required 25-50% for external partner interface, field testing trips, industry shows, etc. 

•  Fast-paced environment 

• Small/start-up style team and environment  

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