Maintenance & Engineering Manager

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? WHAT TO EXPECT As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team.

Located in our Columbia, MO plant, you will be an Engineering Manager. As an Engineering Manager, you will lead the Engineering, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement teams at our high-volume rubber and textile manufacturing facility. You will focus on improving safety, quality, equipment reliability, and overall plant performance while reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

Working closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams, you will oversee engineering projects, maintenance programs, capital investments, and process improvements. You will also play a key role in developing your team, solving manufacturing challenges, and driving continuous improvement across the facility.

Key responsibilities

(to name a few): Lead the Engineering, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement teams to support safe, efficient, and reliable rubber and textile manufacturing operations. Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and manufacturing processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Identify and resolve production challenges through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementation of long-term corrective actions.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other problem-solving methods to reduce waste, improve workflow, and increase production capacity. Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability, minimize unplanned downtime, and extend equipment life.

Utilize maintenance management systems (CMMS) and performance metrics to track equipment effectiveness, maintenance activities, and improvement opportunities. Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies, automation, equipment upgrades, and process improvements to support operational goals. Plan and manage capital projects, including equipment installations, facility improvements, budgets, timelines, and contractor coordination.

Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS to improve manufacturing performance, maintain compliance, and support a safety-first culture. Establish and maintain engineering and maintenance standards, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistent and sustainable operations. Monitor key performance indicators, including equipment uptime, scrap, labor efficiency, production output, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), to identify and drive improvements.

Lead, coach, and develop engineering and maintenance employees while promoting teamwork, accountability, technical growth, and continuous improvement. Manage departmental priorities, resources, and budgets to align with plant objectives and long-term business goals.

ABOUT YOU

Bachelor's degree required; Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 8 plus years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience overseeing engineering, maintenance, or technical teams. Experience in high-volume manufacturing, preferably within the rubber, textile, chemical, automotive, or industrial products industries.

Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability, or Project Management are a plus. Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, maintenance systems, and continuous improvement practices. Experience managing capital projects, equipment installations, and process improvements.

Working knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance programs, asset management, and equipment performance. Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and implement organizational improvements. Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, communication, and leadership skills.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship BENEFITS Full-Time Bonus Eligible 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, additionally 8 sick days 11 paid holidays 401(k): company matching up to 6% Tuition Reimbursement Employee Discounts Relocation support is available for qualified candidates open to relocating to the Columbia, MO / surrounding area.

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.