CMF & Graphics Intern - Advanced Digital & Material Focus

Polaris Inc. • Medina, MN

1d • $20 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE. Job Summary Polaris is seeking a CMF & Graphics Intern to join our CMF & Graphics Studio within the Design organization in Medina, Minnesota. This role supports the development of next-generation colors, materials, finishes, and graphics for our powersports products. This internship provides hands-on exposure to digital visualization, material exploration, graphic development, and physical prototyping within a fast-paced, collaborative studio environment. Interns work closely with CMF and Graphics designers to help translate design intent into compelling digital and physical outputs that support concept development and production-ready direction.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in industrial design, Graphic Design, CMF Design, Transportation Design, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated eye for color, surface quality, finish execution, and visual accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively across both digital and physical design workflows.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in a studio-based, team-oriented environment.
• Interest in materials, surface finishes, coatings, textures, graphics, and powersports products.
• A portfolio is required as part of the application process. Portfolio should demonstrate a strong understanding of color, materials, finishes, surface quality, and graphic execution.
• Include examples of digital visualization or rendering work (e.g., KeyShot or similar tools) that show material realism and attention to detail.
• Show evidence of graphic design skills such as decals, layouts, typography, or vector-based artwork.
• Conceptual projects are welcome, but emphasis should be placed on execution quality, craftsmanship, and clear communication of design intent.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with InDesign is a plus.
• Experience with digital material creation, surface visualization, or rendering workflows, including KeyShot, Substance tools, VRED, Blender, or similar platforms, preferred.
• Experience with vinyl printers/plotters, model-making, or prototyping tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of digital CMF materials, textures, and finish assets using Adobe Creative Suite and visualization tools such as KeyShot and other industry-standard platforms.
• Create high-quality renderings and digital mockups to support communication of CMF direction, surface quality, and graphic intent.
• Support the design and preparation of graphics, decals, and vector artwork for mockups, presentations, and print-ready production files.
• Assist with in-studio prototyping activities, including the operation of vinyl printers/plotters and preparation of physical graphics and mockups.
• Help organize, catalog, and maintain physical and digital CMF libraries, including material samples, color standards, and finish references.
• Support the request, tracking, and management of material samples and standards from internal partners and external suppliers.
• Assist CMF & Graphics designers with material boards, mockups, presentations, and internal design reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in design and engineering to support visualization and prototyping needs.

Benefits

• Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture.
• At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan.
• Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future.
• In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings.
• Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work.
• Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern