Senior Manager, Engineering

Gates Corporation; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

3 weeks paid vacation + 11 holidays +

8 sick days

401(k) company contribution + match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Gates Corporation is seeking a Sr. Manager, Power Transmission Innovation, to drive the next generation of belt and drive system technologies.

This role defines and executes innovation strategies across materials, design, and system-level performance for power transmission products. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision to identify disruptive opportunities, translate customer needs into advanced solutions, and accelerate innovation from concept through

Qualifications

• 10+ years in power transmission, mechanical design, or advanced product development.
• Proven track record leading innovation and R&D from concept to launch.
• Strong understanding of belt drives, pulleys, fluids power, or rotating equipment.
• Experience with simulation tools (FEA, dynamics, thermal) and system-level design.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional and global environments.

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.

Skills

Power transmission systems

Mechanical design

R&D program leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Innovative thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

FEA

Dynamics

Thermal analysis

Job description

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

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.

  WORK ENVIRONMENT

  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 reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any other consideration defined by law.

  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

  For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies and proficiency for the role.

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