Staff Engineer (Vibration Testing)

Polaris • Wyoming, MN

7h

About The Position

As a Staff Test Engineer, you will lead electro-dynamic shaker (EDS) and multi-axial simulation table (MAST) durability testing and validation for vehicles, components, and subsystem assemblies. You will translate real-world customer usage into laboratory-based validation methods, develop accelerated durability tests, and provide technical leadership in vibration testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis. The role includes power spectral density (PSD) development, field-to-lab correlation, instrumentation planning, test-fixture development, and laboratory leadership. Your work will influence vehicle durability strategy, advance laboratory validation methods, and support the delivery of reliable products for customers operating in demanding environments.

The role collaborates with design, computer-aided engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. It also directs technicians and provides technical mentorship and leadership for testing activities and laboratory operations. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs, team priorities, and employee development opportunities. Travel may be up to 10% based on business needs and is expected to be limited and flexible. The position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in durability, vibration, test, or validation engineering.
• Experience with vibration testing, durability validation, data acquisition systems, instrumentation, signal processing, and fatigue analysis.
• Strong understanding of structural dynamics, vibration theory, and fatigue principles.
• Experience developing test methods and correlating laboratory results with field performance.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, project-management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds; bend, twist, turn, kneel, squat, and reach overhead; perform strong pinch and grip activities; and push or pull up to 100 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electro-dynamic shaker and multi-axial simulation table testing.
• Experience using RPC Connect, nCode GlyphWorks, Vibration Research, LMS Test.Lab, MATLAB, or similar software.
• Experience supporting vehicle, powersports, automotive, agricultural, or heavy-equipment product development.
• Experience leading laboratory operations, mentoring technicians, developing test fixtures, or establishing validation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, perform, and oversee electro-dynamic shaker and multi-axial simulation table durability testing.
• Develop and execute vibration validation plans for vehicles, components, and subsystem assemblies.
• Create laboratory test profiles and accelerated durability methods using collected data and customer usage information.
• Lead and manage the design, development, fabrication, and implementation of test fixtures for vibration and durability validation activities.
• Plan and install instrumentation and collect data using accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, and displacement transducers.
• Analyze test data using frequency-domain techniques, including power spectral density development and durability correlation.
• Investigate test failures, support root-cause analysis, and provide engineering recommendations.
• Prioritize and schedule test requests to support project timelines and business needs.
• Collaborate with design, computer-aided engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to support product development and validation.
• Lead the continuous improvement of test methods, laboratory capabilities, and validation standards.
• Direct technicians and provide technical mentorship and leadership for testing activities and laboratory operations.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including a profit-sharing plan.
• Company contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases.
• 401(k) matching contribution.
• Financial wellness education and consultation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid time off.
• Gym and personal training reimbursement.
• Life insurance and disability offerings.
• Paid volunteer time off through Polaris Gives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior