What to Expect
As an innovation leader, we seek ambitious, forward-thinking, and results-driven individuals to join our global team. Located at our Poplar Bluff, MO plant, the Sr. Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role in driving operational excellence, process optimization, and manufacturing performance across the plant.
As a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, you will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. Leveraging extensive engineering expertise and data-driven decision-making, you will identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality while supporting strategic business objectives. You will collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and product engineering teams to deliver sustainable improvements and support capacity growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities (to name a few)
- Lead manufacturing process improvement initiatives focused on increasing productivity, reducing waste, improving quality, and optimizing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Drive scrap reduction, yield improvement, and cost-saving projects within assigned manufacturing areas or value streams.
- Serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for critical manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis tools to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and sustain process improvements.
- Lead data collection, process analysis, and reporting activities to support defect reduction, throughput improvements, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Partner with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues, ensuring minimal downtime and sustainable solutions.
- Develop, justify, and execute capital equipment and facility improvement projects, including equipment upgrades, automation opportunities, and process modernization efforts.
- Establish and maintain standard work, process documentation, quality control plans, and manufacturing specifications.
- Support new product launches, process transfers, and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
- Conduct capacity analysis, labor optimization studies, and facility layout improvements to support business growth and operational efficiency.
- Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing personnel while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
About You
- Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 8-10 years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale process improvement, cost reduction, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
- Experience with manufacturing quality systems and core tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Gage R&R, Process Capability, and Manufacturing Feasibility Studies.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Experience developing and implementing capital equipment projects and automation/robotics initiatives.
- Advanced problem-solving and statistical analysis skills, including proficiency with Minitab or similar analytical software.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics, including OEE, scrap, yield, cycle time, labor efficiency, and capacity utilization.
- Proficiency in CAD software for equipment, tooling, and facility layout design.
- Experience conducting time studies, labor analyses, process flow evaluations, and capacity planning activities.
- Strong project management skills with experience using project scheduling tools and managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Experience within automotive, polymer, rubber, plastics, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
Pay & Benefits
- Full-Time
- Bonus Eligible
- 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 candidates relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.