Design Engineer

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Date: Dec 12, 2025

Location: Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309

Company: Gates Corporation

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?

Position Summary

The Design Engineer is to design, develop, and test hydraulic couplings and connectors for fluid transfer applications. This includes optimizing designs for performance, cost, and manufacturability while collaborating with cross-functional global teams to support the success of the product line.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize hydraulic quick-disconnect couplings for improved manufacturability and cost efficiency, particularly hydraulic quick disconnect.
  • Develop and update global product design standards.
  • Plan and manage projects with global teams, including schedules and business case execution.
  • Oversee prototyping, validation testing, and forensic analysis.
  • Provide technical documentation and support commercial teams.
  • Apply engineering and Six Sigma tools (SPC, FMEA, DOE) for problem-solving and process improvements.

Keys to Success

  • Acquires general knowledge of principles and practices of related fields, and ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
  • Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate the company in the market
  • Applies broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
  • Works on multiple projects of moderate size or portions of major projects.
  • Designs a complete project, system, component, or process.
  • Prepares complete project documents.
  • Designs and conducts experiments, and analyzes and interprets data.
  • Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Formulates and solves problems.
  • Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies
  • Explains complex, difficult and/or sensitive information; works to build consensus
  • Acts as a resource for other team members; may lead projects with limited risks and resource requirements

Requirements and Preferred Skills

  • 5-7 years of experience in product design, development, prototype, and testing innovative solutions that meet performance functional and aesthetic requirements.     
  • HNC/HND or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Willingness to travel 10-20%.
  • Proficient in CAD (PTC Creo preferred).
  • Experience in hydraulic quick-disconnect coupling or mechanic design would be advantageous.
  • Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
  • Strong clean sheet design experience.
  • Strong problem-solving skills (SPC, FMEA, DOE).
  • Hands-on approach to product design and development.
  • Effective teamwork in a global, dynamic environment.

PAY & BENEFITS

    • Full-Time
    • Relocation is not provided
    • 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 + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
    • 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.

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.


Nearest Major Market: Detroit