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- Tasks: Lead global design engineering teams to innovate advanced electromechanical components.
- Company: Wabtec is a leading provider of rail and industrial solutions, focused on innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a culture that values people, innovation, and making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Engineering; extensive leadership experience in railway or energy sectors preferred.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Design Engineering Director (M/F)
Apply locations: Burton on Trent, United Kingdom; Remote: Spain (ESP), Sable sur Sarthe, France, Ede, Netherlands
Posted on: Posted Yesterday
Job requisition id: R0098105
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 Mors Simmitt (a Division of Wabtec), based in Burton on Trent, UK / Ede, Netherlands / Sable sur Sarthe, France / Bilbao, Spain. At Mors Simmitt, 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
Salary:
Competitive
Location:
Hybrid – Based at Mors Simmitt, Burton on Trent, UK / Ede, Netherlands / Sable sur Sarthe, France / Bilbao, Spain.
Contract Type:
Permanent, Full-Time
How will you make a difference?
The Director of Design Engineering leads Mors Simmitt RTPE’s global design engineering team, driving innovation and excellence in the design of advanced electromechanical components and rolling stock 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, Electronic, 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
- Availability to travel in Europe and Rest of World (40/50%)
If you don’t have all the above criteria, don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values: always put people first, and strive to expand what is possible.
Apply today!
Legal authorization to work in the UK or EU 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 formalized 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 to the applicant tracking system that 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 the 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 not just in our products, but also in our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where everyone belongs and diversity is welcomed and appreciated.
To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the brightest minds worldwide to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives, recognizing that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.
We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or need accommodation, please let us know.
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Design Engineering Director (M/F) employer: GE Transport
Contact Detail:
GE Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineering Director (M/F)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the railway and energy sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders at Mors Simmitt. Building these relationships can give you insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in design engineering, particularly in electromechanical components and rolling stock systems. Being well-versed in current technologies and innovations will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've driven innovation and excellence, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wabtec's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to share your own experiences and how you can contribute to fostering a diverse workplace, as this is a key value for the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineering Director (M/F)
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 to 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 design engineering. Discuss how your background aligns with the company's values of putting people first and expanding possibilities. Mention your experience with PLM implementation and cost engineering.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in communication protocols and your understanding of international engineering standards. This is crucial for the role, so make sure these skills stand out.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've fostered innovation and a high-performance culture in previous positions, and mention any successful R&D projects you've led.
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Transport
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Design Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your extensive engineering experience in global leadership roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've led teams, driven innovation, and achieved results in previous positions.
✨Understand the Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with international engineering standards and regulations relevant to the railway or energy sector. Highlight your knowledge of safety-critical systems and cybersecurity standards during the interview to show that you are well-versed in the industry's requirements.
✨Discuss Your R&D Project Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience leading R&D projects, especially those involving emerging technologies. Share insights on how you have successfully managed product development and engineering strategies that align with market trends and business objectives.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves fostering strong partnerships across various departments, be ready to provide examples of how you've collaborated with Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to ensure seamless execution and delivery.
