Director of Innovation, Mechatronics

The Director of Innovation lead a multidisciplinary engineering development team in delivering innovative, next-generation mechatronic products. This role requires a strategic yet hands-on technical leader with a proven history of innovation, system integration, and successful new product development. The Director is expected to work closely with the engineering team at every stage-from ideation and design through prototyping, validation, and launch., * Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team, including Mechanical, Electronics & PCB Design, and Embedded Firmware specialists.

• Engage directly throughout the full product development lifecycle, including:

• Concept and ideation
• Detailed design and system architecture
• Prototyping and iterative development
• Validation, DV/PV testing, and refinement
• Launch readiness and production support

• Drive innovation and technology strategy, exploring new concepts and emerging technologies in mechatronics.
• Guide architectural decisions, ensuring strong integration between mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems.
• Oversee development of BLDC motor systems, gearboxes/geartrains, electromechanical actuators, and related components.
• Support and lead design of electronic water pumps and other mechatronic subsystems.
• Drive and manage the intellectual property portfolio, including identifying patentable ideas, coordinating invention disclosures, and aligning IP strategy with product direction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality to ensure seamless product delivery.
• Establish and improve engineering processes, including requirements management, DFMEA, design reviews, verification/validation planning, and documentation.
• Lead the development, validation, and continuous optimization of product and manufacturing cost models, enabling data-driven decision-making for investments, sourcing, and product roadmaps.
• Integrate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles into early-stage product architecture to ensure scalable, efficient, and cost-effective production.
• Manage budgets, resources, schedules, and engineering priorities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Represent engineering in executive leadership forums, customer engagements, and external technology partnerships.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of engineering experience, with deep exposure to mechatronics, electromechanical systems, or similar technical domains.
• 10+ years in relevant technical leadership or engineering management roles.
• Strong working knowledge of:

• Electronics and PCB design
• Embedded firmware/software development
• Mechanical design and system integration

• Demonstrated ability to work hands-on with engineering teams through concept, design, prototyping, testing, and launch.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's in Mechanical Engineering or PhD in Physics (or related field).
• Experience with:

• BLDC motor design and control
• Gearbox/geartrain design
• Electronic water pump development
• Electromechanical system architecture
• High-volume or high-reliability product development

• Track record of patent generation or IP portfolio management.
• Familiarity with Agile development, model-based design, or digital engineering tools.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Visionary mindset with the ability to inspire technical innovation.
• Passion for delivering differentiated, high-impact products.

• Full-Time
• Salary: $171,000 - $200,000
• Bonus Eligible: 20%
• 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 Flexible Time Off
• 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.

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.