Director of Innovation, Mechatronics

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?

Position Summary

The Director of Innovation lead a multidisciplinary engineering development team in delivering innovative, next-generation mechatronic products. This role requires a strategic yet hands-on technical leader with a proven history of innovation, system integration, and successful new product development. The Director is expected to work closely with the engineering team at every stage-from ideation and design through prototyping, validation, and launch.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team, including Mechanical, Electronics & PCB Design, and Embedded Firmware specialists.
• Engage directly throughout the full product development lifecycle, including:
• Concept and ideation
• Detailed design and system architecture
• Prototyping and iterative development
• Validation, DV/PV testing, and refinement
• Launch readiness and production support
• Drive innovation and technology strategy, exploring new concepts and emerging technologies in mechatronics.
• Guide architectural decisions, ensuring strong integration between mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems.
• Oversee development of BLDC motor systems, gearboxes/gear trains, electromechanical actuators, and related components.
• Support and lead design of electronic water pumps and other mechatronic subsystems.
• Drive and manage the intellectual property portfolio, including identifying patentable ideas, coordinating invention disclosures, and aligning IP strategy with product direction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality to ensure seamless product delivery.
• Establish and improve engineering processes, including requirements management, DFMEA, design reviews, verification/validation planning, and documentation.
• Lead the development, validation, and continuous optimization of product and manufacturing cost models, enabling data-driven decision-making for investments, sourcing, and product roadmaps.
• Integrate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles into early-stage product architecture to ensure scalable, efficient, and cost-effective production.
• Manage budgets, resources, schedules, and engineering priorities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Represent engineering in executive leadership forums, customer engagements, and external technology partnerships.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of engineering experience, with deep exposure to mechatronics, electromechanical systems, or similar technical domains.
• 10+ years in relevant technical leadership or engineering management roles.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Electronics and PCB design
• Embedded firmware/software development
• Mechanical design and system integration
• Demonstrated ability to work hands-on with engineering teams through concept, design, prototyping, testing, and launch.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's in Mechanical Engineering or PhD in Physics (or related field).
• Experience with:
• BLDC motor design and control
• Gearbox/geartrain design
• Electronic water pump development
• Electromechanical system architecture
• High-volume or high-reliability product development
• Track record of patent generation or IP portfolio management.
• Familiarity with Agile development, model-based design, or digital engineering tools.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Visionary mindset with the ability to inspire technical innovation.
• Passion for delivering differentiated, high-impact products.

PAY & BENEFITS

• Full-Time
• Salary: $171,000 - $200,000
• Bonus Eligible: 20%
• 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 Flexible Time Off
• 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Gates is an Equal…