Maintenance & Engineering Manager

Gates Corporation • Columbia, MO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Gates is hiring a Maintenance & Engineering Manager (described in the posting as an Engineering Manager) to lead Engineering, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement teams at its high-volume rubber and textile manufacturing facility in Columbia, Missouri. The role focuses on improving safety, quality, equipment reliability, and overall plant performance while reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

The manager works with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to oversee engineering projects, maintenance programs, capital investments, and process improvements. The role also involves developing the team, solving manufacturing challenges, and driving continuous improvement across the facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience overseeing engineering, maintenance, or technical teams.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, maintenance systems, and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience managing capital projects, equipment installations, and process improvements.
• Working knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance programs, asset management, and equipment performance.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and implement organizational improvements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the rubber, textile, chemical, automotive, or industrial products industries is preferred.
• Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability, or Project Management are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement teams in support of safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations.
• Improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and manufacturing processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Troubleshoot production challenges, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other problem-solving methods.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve reliability, minimize unplanned downtime, and extend equipment life.
• Use CMMS and performance metrics to track equipment effectiveness, maintenance activities, and improvement opportunities.
• Evaluate and implement manufacturing technologies, automation, equipment upgrades, and process improvements.
• Plan and manage capital projects, including equipment installations, facility improvements, budgets, timelines, and contractor coordination.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS to improve performance, maintain compliance, and support a safety-first culture.
• Establish and maintain engineering and maintenance standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Monitor KPIs including equipment uptime, scrap, labor efficiency, production output, and OEE to identify and drive improvements.
• Lead, coach, and develop engineering and maintenance employees, promoting teamwork, accountability, technical growth, and continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental priorities, resources, and budgets in alignment with plant objectives and long-term business goals.

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance, and other voluntary benefit options; benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following the hire date.
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation and 8 sick days.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company matching up to 6%.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts.
• Relocation support is available for qualified candidates open to relocating to the Columbia, Missouri, or surrounding area.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager