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?
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LONG DESCRIPTION
At Gates, we welcome challenges, celebrate hard work, and continually seek new talent to join our global company. Our Global Mobility group in Denver is looking for a Product Engineer - Powersports. This role is responsible for supporting the development and maturation of new product and process technologies that bridge early-stage innovation and downstream product commercialization. The Technical Product Engineer will work cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers to evaluate, prototype, test, and validate new concepts, materials, components, and manufacturing processes. This role focuses on reducing technical risk, proving feasibility, and preparing technologies for transfer to product development, operations, and commercialization teams. This position supports Product initiatives across Mobility and Powersports products and systems, including development of enabling materials, components, and manufacturing methods that can ultimately become commercial products. Please review below to see if this might be the right opportunity for you.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technology and Product Development
- 01Support the development of new technologies, materials, components, and manufacturing processes from concept through feasibility validation.
- 02Evaluate technical concepts through prototyping, testing, analysis, and experimentation.
- 03Assist in translating early-stage ideas into structured engineering development plans and actionable workstreams.
- 04Contribute to the creation of design guidelines, technical requirements, and engineering documentation that support future product development and commercialization.
- 05Support design changes, product enhancements, and concept development activities related to new Mobility products and technical solutions.
Supplier and Process Development
- 06Work with external suppliers and internal manufacturing partners to explore and develop new process capabilities.
- 07Support feasibility studies for new manufacturing methods, including prototype trials, process assessments, and capability evaluations.
- 08Help identify technical risks, manufacturability concerns, and key process variables associated with new technologies.
- 09Conduct process-related evaluations to support cost, performance, and manufacturability improvements.
- 10Document development learnings, process constraints, and critical-to-quality requirements to support successful handoff.
Product / Design Engineering
- 11Develop concepts, prototypes, and test articles to assess performance, durability, and manufacturability.
- 12Perform design reviews, tolerance assessments, and design-for-manufacturing studies on new concepts and development projects.
- 13Investigate the impact of design tolerances and process variation on part and system performance.
- 14Collaborate with product development teams to ensure new technologies align with application requirements and future commercialization needs.
- 15Support engineering evaluation of inspection methods, validation approaches, and product performance criteria.
Testing and Validation
- 16Design and execute test plans to evaluate technical feasibility, product performance, and process robustness.
- 17Analyze test results and communicate findings, conclusions, and recommended next steps.
- 18Support root-cause investigations and engineering problem solving during development activities.
- 19Help define readiness criteria for transferring proven technologies into product development and commercialization pipelines.
- 20Assist in confirming that developed concepts and processes are ready for downstream scaling and industrialization.
Project Management and Cross-Functional Coordination
- 21Manage assigned development projects by tracking scope, timelines, deliverables, risks, and action items.
- 22Coordinate activities across engineering, sourcing, quality, operations, product management, and external suppliers to ensure projects progress effectively.
- 23Maintain project plans and provide regular communication on status, priorities, risks, and key decisions.
- 24Drive follow-up and accountability across stakeholders to support execution of development milestones and handoff activities.
- 25Support structured transfer of validated technologies into downstream product development and commercialization teams.
Assist in confirming that developed concepts and processes are ready for downstream scaling and industrialization
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 26No supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance to new associates
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED SKILLS
Experience
- 27Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
- 283+ years of relevant engineering experience in product development, advanced development, R&D, manufacturing/process development, testing, or related technical roles.
- 29Experience supporting engineering projects involving prototyping, validation, process development, or product improvement.
- 30Demonstrated project management experience coordinating technical tasks, schedules, deliverables, and stakeholders.
- 31Experience working cross-functionally to drive projects forward and communicate status, risks, and priorities.
- 32Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications; GD&T experience is a plus.
- 33Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- 34Experience working with external suppliers or technical development partners.
- 35Exposure to new product development, technical product development initiatives, or technology transfer activities.
- 36Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling tools.
- 37Familiarity with DFM, DOE, process capability studies, tolerance analysis, or root-cause problem solving.
- 38Exposure to manufacturing technologies such as metal forming, polymer processing, or related process development environments.
- 39Experience in powersports, automotive, or similar mechanical systems.
- 40Passion for bicycles or cycling products, with a strong interest in applying engineering solutions to real‑world riding, durability, efficiency, and performance applications.
Skills and Capabilities
- 41Strong engineering fundamentals in mechanical, materials, or manufacturing-related disciplines.
- 42Effective project management skills, including planning, organization, prioritization, timeline management, and cross-functional coordination.
- 43Ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously while maintaining focus on quality and execution.
- 44Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical progress, risks, and next steps to stakeholders.
- 45Hands-on problem-solving ability in prototyping, testing, validation, and process development.
- 46Curiosity and willingness to understand how products are designed, built, validated, and commercialized.
- 47Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with internal teams and external partners.
- 48Practical understanding of engineering tradeoffs, manufacturability, and process feasibility.
- 49Interest in bicycles and cycling products, with an appreciation for how engineering decisions impact rider experience, durability, efficiency, and performance.
PAY & BENEFITS
- 50Full-Time
- 51Salary Range: $77,000 - $90,000
- 52Not Bonus Eligible
- 53Relocation is not provided
- 54Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
- 55Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
- 56If they are in Band 16+ (Director+) state – Eligible for Flexible Time Off
- 57401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
- 58Tuition 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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