Process Development Engineer

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?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Process Development Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes. This role is responsible for developing and improving processes to ensure quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety in production. The ideal candidate will work cross-functionally with R&D, production, quality, and supply chain teams. This position is expected to be a part of a global approach to Process Engineering to enable consistent engineering, materials, and procedures through all the worldwide factories. As needed, this position serves as a engineer, as an individual contributor, and as a project manager and technical resource to other employees across the operations organization. The individual is expected to deliver results through the organization by driving solutions and improvements, by containing and fixing problems, and by reviewing the current state of the manufacturing operations for opportunities and threats.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, develop, and optimize new and existing manufacturing processes.

Lead trials, experiments, and pilot runs to validate process changes or new technologies.

Scale laboratory or prototype processes to full-scale manufacturing.

Analyze process performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.

Implement process controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and documentation.

Support the introduction of new equipment, automation, or materials.

Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Troubleshoot pilot production issues and support root cause analysis.

Collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to align product and process requirements.

Evaluate and implement Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma techniques where applicable.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Acts as a resource for other team members; may lead projects with limited risks and resource requirements

Requirements and Preferred Skills

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Rubber/polymer engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

[2+] years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing, or product development (can vary).

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Strong experience in process design, equipment layout

Experience with process modeling, statistical analysis, and DOE (Design of Experiments).

Familiarity with manufacturing tools (e.g., CAD, SolidWorks, PLCs, JMP software).

Knowledge of quality systems (ISO, GMP, Six Sigma, etc.) is a plus.

Excellent communication and project management skills

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Design and develop rubber belts based on customer requirements, industry standards, and application needs.

Lead the prototyping process, including tooling design and manufacturing coordination

Conduct mechanical and physical tests (tensile strength, elongation, adhesion, hardness, fatigue, temperature resistance).

Analyze test results to ensure belts meet performance targets for load, speed, and environmental conditions

Work closely with production teams to scale new belt designs into mass production

OTHERS SKILLS:

Basic leadership skills: Organize work, communicate objectives, connect work to context, Delegate tasks, Lead by example, Manage and allocate resources, troubleshoot issues as they arise, Manage project progress, Report progress to stakeholders.

Self-directed and motivated

Ability to maintain high ethics and work with confidential information and sensitive issues.

High level of passion, confidence, and independence.

PAY & BENEFITS

Full-Time

Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000

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.