Senior Manager, Engineering
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.
Essential Duties And 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
Required Requirements and Preferred Skills
- 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
- 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days
- All vacation days are accrued
- Tuition Reimbursement