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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Director of Innovation, Mechatronics - **Company:** Gates Corporation - **Location:** Rochester, MI, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $171,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Embedded Software, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Iterative and Incremental Development, Requirements Management, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Model-Driven Development - **Published:** May 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3448b19610137b77 ## About the Role * 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. ## Description 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. ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [ShapeShift: Reinventing Agile for a B2B SaaS Scale-Up](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1655-shapeshift-reinventing-agile-for-a-b2b-saas-scale-up) - [AI Agents & Agentic AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2017-ai-agents-agentic-ai) - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Breaking the Hardware Mindset: Overcoming Barriers to System-Level Innovation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1635-breaking-the-hardware-mindset-overcoming-barriers-to-system-level-innovation) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development)