Transportation Industrial Design Intern

Polaris Inc. • Medina, MN

9d • $20 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Industrial Design Intern contributes to the conceptual process for new products across the Polaris product portfolio, working with an experienced Designer at the company’s Minnesota Design Studio. The intern participates in weekly project critiques, contributes to a professional design process across projects, and develops concepts intended to meet or exceed customer expectations identified through Voice of Customer (VOC) research and product descriptions. Work involves absorbing criteria-led requirements from Product Managers, Engineers, and Manufacturing. Designs may be refined and used through production intent. The intern collaborates with peer groups, makes design decisions, and presents work to various levels of Polaris leadership.

This is a hands-on, studio-based internship in Medina, Minnesota, requiring onsite work five days a week. The intern will be exposed to advanced CMF development, graphics workflows, and full-scale vehicle mockups, and will support production-focused design work while learning how CMF and graphics contribute to Polaris products. The position pays $19.50–$30.75 per hour in Minnesota. It is not eligible for visa sponsorship; applicants must be a U.S. person and must not require employment sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

• A design portfolio is required; submit it as a link or PDF, and include a PDF if the link does not work.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or a related field at a recognized Design School.
• At least 1 year of experience.
• Strong communication skills.
• Good team player with a great attitude and a desire to learn.
• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and not require employment sponsorship now or in the future.
• Former employees must be eligible for rehire; current employees must be in good standing.

Nice To Haves

• Powersports experience.
• Peer-review experience.
• Proficiency with software including Blender, Gravity Sketch, Keyshot, Alias, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Sketch and execute original designs informed by segment and category research, incorporating guidance from Senior Designers on customer expectations and Brand DNA.
• Present concepts and ideas to Design peers and Design Management alongside Senior and Lead Designers, and provide feedback during weekly program meetings.
• Explain the story behind designs to team members, record next steps, and take actions to advance design work.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members, including Engineering and Product Managers.
• Work with Clay Modelers when a theme or design is selected.
• Work with Digital Modelers during theme and design development.
• Create digital-design assets using software provided by the Polaris Design Department.
• Present design development weekly on display monitors or large-format printouts during design critiques.

What This Job Offers

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