Process 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? 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 a Process Engineer.

As a Process Engineer, you will partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to drive manufacturing performance and process excellence. This role focuses on optimizing production processes, improving throughput, reducing scrap and cost, and delivering measurable improvements across safety, quality, efficiency, and equipment performance.

You will provide hands-on technical support, troubleshoot manufacturing and process issues, lead Continuous Improvement initiatives, and support the introduction of new products and processes into production. Through data-driven problem-solving and collaboration across operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering, you will help improve process capability and ensure the plant consistently meets or exceeds operational goals.

Keys Responsibilities (to name a few)

• Lead scrap, defect, and cost reduction initiatives across assigned value streams, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable process improvements.
• Serve as the plant Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned manufacturing processes, providing hands-on technical guidance, troubleshooting, and process expertise.
• Analyze manufacturing data, process capability, cycle times, capacity, and performance trends to identify opportunities and drive measurable improvements.
• Lead and support Continuous Improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, structured problem-solving, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Partner with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot equipment and process issues, identify root causes, and improve equipment reliability and manufacturing performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement equipment upgrades, process changes, and manufacturing improvements that increase safety, quality, throughput, and efficiency.
• Support new product and process introductions, ensuring manufacturing readiness, process capability, and effective transition into production.
• Develop and implement standardized work, process controls, quality methods, and operational excellence tools to improve consistency and sustain performance improvements.
• Develop, monitor, and communicate key performance metrics for assigned processes and value streams, using data to prioritize improvement opportunities and measure results.

About You

• Bachelor's degree required; Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive engineering or process improvement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with rubber, textiles, cord treatment, or related manufacturing processes is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute Continuous Improvement initiatives through hands-on, floor-level engagement.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and project management methodologies.
• Knowledge of automotive quality systems and core tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Process Control Plans (PCP), Gage R&R, Process Capability, and Manufacturing Feasibility Studies.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, with experience using statistical analysis software such as Minitab or equivalent.
• Experience conducting time and motion studies, capacity evaluations, process analysis, and manufacturing performance assessments.
• Knowledge in 2D layout design using CAD software.
• Experience with manufacturing simulation software, such as ARENA or equivalent, preferred.
• Strong technical and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across manufacturing, maintenance, quality, engineering, product development, materials development, and plant leadership.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

BENEFITS

• Full-Time
• 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

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.