JOB SUMMARY:
We’re looking for a Hard Parts Engineer to join our Hard Parts team. You’ll take on the full product development lifecycle—from early concepts to production-ready designs—focusing on hard parts and accessories that enhance rider safety, comfort, and performance.
You’ll use your CAD expertise and mechanical engineering knowledge to turn ideas into high-performance, manufacturable products. You’ll collaborate with industrial designers, product managers, sourcing partners, and factory engineers to make sure every product meets high expectations in the shop, on the trail, and in the backcountry.
This is your chance to develop the gear that powersports riders depend on. You’ll work on a fast-moving team dedicated to engineering excellence, product innovation, and delivering equipment that lives up to the challenge—no matter the terrain or season.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive the mechanical design and development of new hard parts and accessories from concept through production.
- Create detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies, that communicate function, intent, and manufacturability.
- Apply DFM/DFA best practices to ensure high-quality, cost-effective production across a variety of manufacturing processes.
- Build and test prototypes using processes like 3D printing, CNC machining, thermoforming, silicone molding, resin casting and other shop tools to validate early concepts and product function.
- Design and execute product testing protocols in-house using custom fixtures, sensors, and data acquisition tools.
- Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure a smooth handoff from development to mass production.
- Conduct engineering analysis including material selection, mechanical loading, fatigue, and tolerance studies.
- Use test data and field feedback to iterate and improve designs before launch.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, sourcing, and product teams to ensure alignment with performance, timeline, and brand goals.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing hands-on work with documentation, planning, and communication.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required with a strong preference in Mechanical Engineering.
- 3+ years of mechanical or product development experience (preferably in powersports or outdoor gear).
- Expert-level CAD modeling skills, including surface modeling and assemblies, are required.
- Experience with SOLIDWORKS and/or Creo preferred
- Strong understanding of manufacturing methods such as plastic injection molding, advanced composite manufacturing, extrusion molding and other various processes such as metal casting/metal injection molding, heat staking, gluing, etc.
- Hands-on prototyping experience using methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, thermoforming, silicone molding, and resin casting.
- Experience with product testing, performance validation, and analysis.
- Ability to manage technical projects from initial concept through production.
- Effective communicator who can present technical ideas clearly to teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to effectively partner with stakeholders from other teams and departments (internal to Klim/509 and Polaris) in the context of the product development process.
Bonus If You Have:
- Passion for powersports and an understanding of what riders demand in the field.
- Experience working with overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Knowledge of consumer product development using a stage gate process.
- Background in building test rigs or validation equipment.
- Familiarity with regulatory and durability testing standards for off-road or vehicle-mounted products.