Test Engineer - Metals and Material

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?

The Test Engineer is a technical lead and validation authority responsible for defining, directing, and executing the overall testing and validation strategy for metal-based products, including automatic belt tensioners, pulleys, idler assemblies, and associated bracketry across automotive OE, aftermarket, and mobility applications.

This role owns the validation approach from early development through commercialization, ensuring testing methods generate accurate, repeatable, and defensible data to support product design decisions, risk mitigation, and customer validation requirements. The Test Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for test methodology, data integrity, and test system capability across multiple Gates facilities.

The position leads the design and optimization of advanced test systems, instrumentation, and analytical methods, including material characterization, dynamic testing, fatigue and durability analysis, and statistical data evaluation. The role is responsible for translating complex test data into clear engineering conclusions and recommendations that directly influence product design, performance, reliability, and release readiness.

This position provides technical leadership and direction to lab personnel, junior engineers, and contract resources and drives alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams. The Test Engineer also leads continuous improvement of lab capability, test processes, and data quality standards to ensure testing supports faster, more reliable product development cycles.

• Lead development, definition, and execution of validation strategies and DVP&R plans for new and existing products.
• Establish test methodologies, standards, and acceptance criteria to ensure robust, repeatable, and defensible validation outcomes.
• Serve as the technical authority for interpretation of test results, providing recommendations that influence design decisions, product release readiness, and customer approval.

• Lead design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of custom test equipment, fixtures, and instrumentation systems.
• Define test system requirements and drive technical solutions with internal engineering teams and external vendors.
• Develop and implement advanced test methods and analytical techniques that improve data quality, capability, and efficiency.

• Own the integrity, accuracy, and interpretation of test data.
• Lead analysis of complex datasets including stress‑strain behavior, material property extraction, fatigue life prediction, S‑N curve development, and B10 life analysis.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve system‑level test anomalies including noise, drift, sensor variability, and control instability.

• Lead technical discussions with product development, applications engineering, and customer teams to ensure validation approaches align with design intent and customer requirements.
• Communicate technical risks, findings, and recommendations to engineering leadership and stakeholders.
• Support customer validation, audits, and technical reviews.

• Lead lab planning, prioritization, and resource management across multiple programs and locations.
• Provide technical direction to lab technicians, junior engineers, and contract test resources.
• Ensure test equipment readiness, calibration standards, and long‑term…