Senior Clay Modeler

Polaris•Medina, MN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Polaris Industries, Inc. seeks Senior Clay Modeler in Medina, MN. This role involves performing three-dimensional design model development from conceptual sketch modeling through to production tolerance feasibility properties for scale and full-size exterior and interior products. The Senior Clay Modeler will create clay models from scale concepts to full size exteriors and detailed interior models according to designer specifications such as sketches, line drawings, renderings and verbal instructions. This position requires applying design appreciation skills and 3D-modelling skills to Clay Models which were CNC-machined from data generated by the digital modelling team. The role also involves incorporating engineering and manufacturing inputs into the styling process to ensure surface designs meet requirements, reviewing and analyzing surfaces using zebra plots, contour analysis and highlights to ensure Class A- quality, and verifying final clay models for the release of surface data to production engineering. The Senior Clay Modeler will achieve high level complex surfaces, highlights, finish and detail work, apply a high level of hand and eye modeling, and advise the styling department and interpret design input. Additionally, the role includes operating CNC Clay Milling Machines, utilizing 3-axis measuring and 3D scanning equipment, performing armature setup, fabricating hard models, assembling and finishing 3D printed parts, and performing paint preparation and high-end surface work. The position also involves setting up and supporting presentations to management, media, and focus groups.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Design, Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Product Design, or related, plus 8 years of experience. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, 12 years of related professional experience will be accepted.
Creating 3D design scale and 1:1 clay-models according to designer and engineering specifications for both exterior and interior design of automotive or powersports products.
Transforming design ideas and sketches into 3D models developing them into accurate engineering representations to production feasibility standards.
Defining surface geometries from concept to final production feasibility data in physical model form.
Reviewing and analyzing surfaces using zebra plots, contour analysis and highlights to ensure Class-A quality.
Advising the styling department and interpreting design input.
Fabricating and hard-modeling design development and prototype parts.
Operating CNC Clay Milling Machines including all steps from model set-up, software programming cutter paths to operating the machines and performing maintenance.
Using digital measuring and 3D scanning equipment.

Responsibilities

Perform three-dimensional design model development from conceptual sketch modeling through to production tolerance feasibility properties for scale and full-size exterior and interior products.
Create clay models from scale concepts to full size exteriors and detailed interior models according to designer specifications such as sketches, line drawings, renderings and verbal instructions.
Apply design appreciation skills and 3D-modelling skills to Clay Models which were CNC-machined from data generated by the digital modelling team.
Incorporate engineering and manufacturing inputs into the styling process to ensure surface designs meet requirements.
Review and analyze surfaces using zebra plots, contour analysis and highlights to ensure Class A- quality.
Verify final clay models for the release of surface data to production engineering.
Achieve high level complex surfaces, highlights, finish and detail work.
Apply high level of hand and eye modeling.
Advise the styling department and interpret design input.
Operate CNC Clay Milling Machines including all steps from model set-up, writing cutter paths to performing machine maintenance.
Utilize 3-axis measuring and 3D scanning equipment for digitizing and balancing of surface information.
Perform armature setup, which includes installing set up locators on production chassis, building steel, aluminum and steel support structures, foam marking, cutting, gluing, shaving and loading clay evenly.
Fabricate hard models using polyurethane block material, abs, acrylic, polypropylene, acetate and other modelmaking materials.
Assemble, finish and hand surface 3D printed parts.
Paint preparation and high-end surface work on hard as well as clay models.
Set up and support presentations to management, to the media as well as focus groups for market research purposes.