What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Product Reliability Engineer position at 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 has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. Product Reliability Engineer within our Global Labs at our Rochester Hills, MI location, supporting our global engineering teams to ensure product design integrity and compliance.
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?
Responsible for conducting reliability testing within Global Labs to assess product performance and durability across international markets. This role supports global engineering teams by applying industry standards and methods to ensure design integrity and compliance. Results and analysis are published to inform design decisions and product improvements. Serves as a technical liaison between lab testing and global engineering.
Reliability Test Planning & Execution involves leading the design and coordination of reliability tests, working closely with lab technicians to ensure procedures align with product standards and real-world usage conditions. The engineer is expected to understand product architecture, select appropriate test methods, and ensure tests simulate the environmental and operational stresses products will face. (30%)
Data Review, Reporting & Publication encompasses the analysis of test results, preparation of formal documentation, and communication of findings to support decision-making across global engineering teams. It also includes developing clear visualizations, summaries, and reliability metrics that contribute to design validation and support cross-functional alignment. (25%)
Statistical & DFSS Analysis includes applying advanced tools such as DOE, GR&R, Weibull, DVP&R, and capability studies to interpret performance trends and validate test rigor. The role requires fluency in statistical software and a proactive mindset in identifying patterns, anomalies, and opportunities for process or design enhancement. (20%)
Test Protocol Development & Standards Alignment focuses on enhancing test methods and ensuring procedures comply with internal benchmarks and international reliability standards. The engineer may help update or create documentation, participate in audits, and contribute to standardization efforts across labs or business units. (15%)
Team Support & Communication contributes to collaboration with cross-functional groups, supports knowledge sharing, and aids in maintaining accurate testing documentation. This includes attending technical reviews, helping engineers interpret data, and ensuring best practices are consistently applied throughout the development lifecycle. (10%)
- Strong foundation in reliability engineering principles (MTBF, B10/B50 life, failure rate modeling).
- Hands-on experience with statistical tools such as Weibull analysis, DOE, and ANOVA for product testing and analysis.
- Familiarity with DFSS concepts (FMEA, QFD, tolerance analysis) and ability to apply them in a practical way.
- Comfortable using data analysis software (Minitab, JMP, or similar).
- Ability to analyze test data and translate findings into clear reliability insights and recommendations.
- Basic knowledge of accelerated life testing methods
- Strong problemsolving mindset; able to identify root causes of failures and suggest design or test improvements.
- Effective communication skills to present data-driven conclusions to engineering teams and Management
- Collaborative approach to working with design, test, and manufacturing teams across global sites.
- Eagerness to learn and grow into advanced reliability methods and continuous improvement practices (Six Sigma/DFSS).
Will manage direct reports and have responsibility for performance management and day-to-day coaching to ensure success of the laboratory operation.
Quality Responsibilities:
Responsible for active input, support, participation, and information always sharing with his/her team and with the sub-contractors of Gates quality, health & safety, environmental philosophy, standards, and requirements.
Occupational Safety and Environment Responsibilities:
Awareness of environmental factors. Economical consumption of natural resources. Proper management of waste resources.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical/Electromechanical or Gates product related field); master's degree preferred for advanced statistical analysis focus
- Practical experience in reliability engineering, product testing, with specific experience with electromechanical devices (8-10 years experience)
- Familiarity with statistical tools and analysis techniques such as DOE, Weibull, GR&R, capability studies, and DVP&R
- Exposure to industry standards and design methodologies such as DFSS, ISO, MIL-STD, or IEC t
- Experience with lab-based testing environments and hands-on collaboration with technicians
- Strong foundation in technical communication, documentation, and data interpretation
Pay & Benefits
- Full-Time, annual salary range between $96,200 - $110,000
- Bonus Eligible
- Relocation is not provided
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits beginonthe 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
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer 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.
Salary : $96,200 - $110,000
