Senior Manager, Engineering

Senior Manager, Engineering

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you. Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few.

Because why not do it all?

Gates Corporation is seeking a Sr. Manager, Power Transmission Innovation, to drive the next generation of belt and drive system technologies. This role is responsible for defining and executing innovation strategies across materials, design, and system-level performance for power transmission products. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to identify disruptive opportunities, translate customer needs into advanced solutions, and accelerate innovation from concept through commercialization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Innovation Strategy & Technology Leadership
• Define and lead the power transmission innovation roadmap aligned to corporate strategy and growth priorities
• Identify emerging technologies, materials, and design approaches to drive differentiated product performance
• Lead technology scouting, partnerships, and collaboration with external partners (universities, startups, suppliers)
• Champion a culture of innovation across engineering teams and global product groups

• Advanced Product Development
• Drive development of next-generation belt drive systems, including synchronous, V-belt, and e-mobility solutions
• Lead high-impact R&D programs from ideation through validation and commercialization
• Integrate advanced modeling, simulation, and digital engineering approaches into product development
• Ensure solutions meet evolving customer performance demands (efficiency, durability, noise, sustainability)

• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Partner with Product Management, Sales, and Marketing to translate market needs into innovation priorities
• Work closely with Materials Science, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure scalable solutions
• Support global engineering teams in adopting and executing innovative technologies

• Customer & Market Engagement
• Engage with key OEM and industrial customers to understand future application requirements
• Represent Gates as a technical thought leader in industry forums and customer engagements
• Translate insights into breakthrough product concepts and business cases

• Execution & Impact
• Build and manage innovation pipelines, KPIs, and portfolio performance
• Ensure timely delivery of innovation programs with clear ROI and business impact
• Mentor and develop technical talent across the organization

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Required Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in power transmission systems, mechanical design, or advanced product development
• Proven record of accomplishment of leading innovation and R&D programs from concept to launch
• Strong understanding of belt drives, pulleys, fluids power, or rotating equipment systems
• Experience with simulation tools (FEA, dynamics, thermal) and system-level design
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional and global environments

• Preferred Experience in automotive, industrial, or e-mobility applications
• Knowledge of advanced materials (elastomers, composites, engineered polymers)
• Familiarity with sustainability, and digital engineering trends
• Experience managing external partnerships or open innovation ecosystems

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong technical depth
• Innovation mindset with ability to challenge the status quo
• Excellent communication and executive presence
• Ability to influence without authority across global teams
• Strong business acumen and customer focus

PAY & BENEFITS

• Full-Time Salary: $165,000-$195,000
• Bonus Eligible: 15%
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

WHY GATES?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related…