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- Tasks: Lead global engineering teams to innovate and design advanced electromechanical systems.
- Company: Join Wabtec, a leader in digital solutions for rail and industrial markets.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive salary, and a culture that values diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future generations while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering; leadership experience in safety-critical systems preferred.
- Other info: Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required; we value diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
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Client:
Location:
Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
9c58c5c841e4
Job Views:
4
Posted:
14.07.2025
Expiry Date:
28.08.2025
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Job Description:
It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.
Who will you be working with?
We are seeking an experienced Director of Design Engineering to join our team at Mor Smitt (a Division of Wabtec UK Ltd) based in Burton on Trent. At Mor Smitt, R&D is driven by deep client understanding, innovation, and uncompromising quality. Our team of dedicated engineers transforms customer needs into ultra-reliable, high-performance products through close collaboration, cutting-edge tools, and proactive project management. Every solution is rigorously tested, intuitively designed, and built to exceed industry standards, delivering peace of mind and long-term value.
Role: Director of Design Engineering
Location: Hybrid/Mor Smitt, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, (DE13 8EN)
Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:30 and Friday 08:00 to 13:00, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
How will you make a difference?
The Director of Design Engineering leads Mor Smitt RTPE’s global engineering team, driving innovation and excellence in the design of advanced electromechanical systems. This strategic leadership role supports business growth and succession planning through cutting-edge product development and engineering strategy.
What will your typical day look like?
- Develop and execute R&D and engineering strategies aligned with market trends and business objectives, including product roadmap integration and technology acquisitions
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams across global sites, fostering innovation, excellence, and a high-performance culture
- Establish and maintain robust design standards, governance frameworks, and lifecycle management processes, including phase gate reviews and documentation control
- Champion Design for Cost (DfC) and lead reengineering and cost-down initiatives for both new and mature products
- Deploy, audit, and continuously improve global engineering tools, CAD/PLM systems, and development methodologies
- Establish and oversee a global Centre of Competence (CoC) for product testing, validation, and homologation, coordinating central and satellite labs
- Foster strong partnerships with Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution and delivery
- Lead talent acquisition, mentoring, and capability development while promoting global collaboration and best practice dissemination
What do we want to know about you?
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (Master\’s degree preferred)
- Extensive engineering experience in global leadership roles
- Proven track record in the railway or energy sector, preferably with experience in safety-critical systems
- Demonstrated expertise in engineering delivery, PLM implementation, and cost engineering
- Working knowledge of cybersecurity standards (e.g., IEC 62443)
- Proficiency in communication protocols (CAN, RS-485, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, IEC 61850)
- Strong understanding of international engineering standards and regulations
- Demonstrated experience in leading R&D projects, particularly in emerging technologies such as SSRs, LCUs, and hybrid relays
- Willingness to travel in Europe and RoW (40/50%)
If you don’t have all the above criteria, don’t worry. We still want to hear from you as we always live our values: putting people first and striving to expand what is possible.
Apply today!
Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
*Please note that we do not accept agency candidate submissions without a formal agreement with Wabtec Talent Acquisition. If you are an agency/third-party recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if you submit a candidate who is ultimately hired.
Who are we?
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail, as well as mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.
Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers’ potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world. We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees worldwide. Visit our website to learn more!
Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:
Wabtec is a global company that invests in our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We value our relationships with employees and celebrate the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. We aim to create a place where everyone belongs and diversity is welcomed and appreciated.
To fulfill this commitment, we foster a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to employ the brightest minds worldwide to help us create limitless ideas and opportunities. We create a space where everyone can contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives, recognizing that these differences make us better.
Wabtec is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you require accommodations due to a disability or other needs, please let us know.
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Design Engineering Director employer: Wabtec
Contact Detail:
Wabtec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineering Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in electromechanical systems and R&D strategies. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation and excellence, which are key values for us at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the railway or energy sectors, especially those with experience in safety-critical systems. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. We value strong leadership, so showcasing your ability to foster a high-performance culture will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company’s recent projects and initiatives, particularly those related to product testing and validation. Being knowledgeable about our work will allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview, demonstrating your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineering Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in design engineering, particularly in leadership roles within the railway or energy sectors. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in safety-critical systems and engineering delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for innovation and excellence in engineering. Discuss how your background aligns with the company's values of putting people first and expanding possibilities. Mention any specific projects that showcase your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in communication protocols and your understanding of international engineering standards. If you have experience with PLM implementation or cost engineering, make sure to include that as well.
Show Willingness to Travel: Since the role requires travel across Europe and beyond, mention your flexibility and willingness to travel. This shows your commitment to the role and your readiness to engage with global teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Design Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples of past leadership roles where you drove innovation and excellence, particularly in engineering contexts.
✨Understand the Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with international engineering standards and regulations relevant to the railway or energy sector. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous projects, especially in safety-critical systems.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of engineering delivery, PLM implementation, and cost engineering. Mention specific tools and methodologies you've used, and how they contributed to successful project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for Innovation
The role requires a forward-thinking approach to R&D and engineering strategies. Think about how you can align product development with market trends and business objectives, and be ready to share your vision during the interview.
