Manufacturing Process Engineer

Date: Oct 6, 2026

Location: Columbia, MO, US, 65201

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?

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 to drive manufacturing performance and process excellence. This role focuses on optimizing production processes, improving throughput, and delivering strong results across safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will provide technical support, troubleshooting process issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives while helping introduce new products into production and implement standardized processes. Through data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration, you will help the plant consistently meet or exceed operational goals.

Keys Responsibilities (to name a few)

• Optimize machine throughput and overall process efficiency to consistently meet production targets and performance goals.
• Develop, support, and refine process setup parameters to ensure stable, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues to minimize downtime, improve reliability, and maintain production continuity.
• Collaborate with Materials Development and Quality teams to support the introduction, validation, and ramp-up of new products into production.
• Support and promote safety, environmental, and ergonomic initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain standardized work instructions and process documentation to promote consistency and manufacturing best practices.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership and support for day-to-day manufacturing operations.
• Lead the implementation and integration of process controls to improve process stability, repeatability, and overall performance.
• Design and develop new manufacturing processes, equipment, and next-generation production solutions.
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives in partnership with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other cross-functional teams.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree required; in Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, or process engineering,
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production equipment, and manufacturing systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software preferred.
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future 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
• 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.

Nearest Major Market: Columbia Missouri