Senior Manager, Engineering

Gates Corporation • Centennial, CO

32d • $165,000 - $195,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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)
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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