Michael Deters
Maple Grove
Summary
Dynamic Chassis/Mechanical Validation Engineer with extensive experience at Polaris Industries, excelling in test program development and data analysis. Proven track record in enhancing product reliability through effective validation plans and meticulous testing methodologies. Strong organizational skills and expertise in electrical testing drive successful project outcomes and elevate customer satisfaction. I have extensive electrical and software experience prior to my current role, which allows me to efficiently validate the vehicles' electrical and software systems. Proficient in APTIV dataloggers and eDaq from setup, analysis, and post-processing data.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Chassis/Mechanical Validation Engineer (Motorcycle
Polaris Industries
Wyoming
01.2025 - Current
- Managed validation plans for chassis and components to ensure compliance with specifications and reliability.
- Oversaw APTIV data loggers, establishing vehicle configurations for efficient data collection and analysis.
- Continue to oversee the Ride Command testing for the Digital Round display
- Update and create new test procedures yearly
- Work with the project team to create validation plans per subsystem/component, as well as coordinate full vehicle testing and mileage testing
- Core member of the CAVR team (Critical Attributes Validation Review)
- Core member of offsite test trips (Yuma Proving Grounds, PPX CAVR/EQV)
Electrical Validation Engineer (Motorcycles)
Polaris Industries
Wyoming
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Developed and managed validation plans for electrical components and vehicle software through PDP process.
- Created test cases at vehicle and subsystem levels to ensure software functionality.
- Oversaw Ride Command testing for Digital Round display to enhance the customer experience.
- Oversaw the APTIV dataloggers through maintaining equipment, creating the vehicle configurations for data collecting, and analyzing data to send to the necessary teams.
- Core member of the CAVR team (Critical Attributes Validation Review)
PRINCIPAL TEST ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
THE TORO COMPANY
Bloomington
08.2013 - 10.2022
- Set up prototypes and test fixtures to observe and record test results.
- Test prototypes and components to determine performance, strength, response to stress, response to environmental conditions, and product life span
- Update design teams with test results and perform teardowns and inspections to finally generate reports to provide the component supplier with for corrective actions/failure analysis.
- Train new hires on lab practices and testing procedures
- Document testing procedures and results along the entire test process
- Participate in 5S/Kaizen continuous improvement activities to create a better/ more capable lab
- Supervise environmental test lab by maintaining equipment, setting up equipment service, keep searching for new/better test equipment/practices, train personnel utilizing any equipment, and running our environmental test plan on design components
- Assist in developing an environmental test plan per the components use in the field
- Utilize CAN/labVIEW to automate electronic components through the test process
- Collect data through data acquisition systems such as eDaq and Dewesoft
- Collaborated with engineering teams to develop testing methodologies.
- Generated reports summarizing test findings for management review.
Education
B.S. - Automotive Engineering Technology, Minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY-MANKATO
Mankato, MN10.2025
Skills
- Test Plans and Test Methodologies
- Test Results Evaluation
- Test Program Development
- Chassis validation
- Data analysis
- Maintain test equipment
- Product development
- Testing management
- Organizational skills
- Validation standards
- Time management
- Technical Documentation
- Instrumentation/interfaces
- Software validation
- Environmental testing
- Electrical testing
- Test procedure development
- Component level testing/inspection
Affiliations
- Run a Minnesota based car club that participates in volunteer activities, charities, shows, and teaches racing fundamentals and vehicle handling
- RZR and snowmobile trips multiple times a year all over MN and MI, getting to meet new people and new places, and network
Timeline
Chassis/Mechanical Validation Engineer (Motorcycle
Polaris Industries
01.2025 - Current
Electrical Validation Engineer (Motorcycles)
Polaris Industries
10.2022 - 01.2025
PRINCIPAL TEST ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
THE TORO COMPANY
08.2013 - 10.2022
B.S. - Automotive Engineering Technology, Minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY-MANKATO