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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global design engineering teams to innovate and create advanced electromechanical components.
- Company: Join Wabtec, a leader in transportation solutions with a focus on people and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the railway and energy sectors while driving cutting-edge product development.
- Qualifications: Extensive engineering experience and leadership skills in safety-critical systems are essential.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
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 the Mors Smitt (a Division of Wabtec), based in Burton on Trent, UK / Ede, Netherlands / Sable Sur Sarthe, France / Bilboa, Spain. At Mors 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
Salary: Competitive
Location: Hybrid – Based at Mors Smitt, Burton on Trent, UK/ Ede, Netherlands / Sable Sur Sarthe, France / Bilboa, Spain.
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
How will you make a difference?
The Director of Design Engineering leads Mors Smitt 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
- You are ready to travel in Europe and RoW (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 authorisation 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 formalised 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 27K employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit our website to learn more! http://www.WabtecCorp.com
Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:
Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also 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 we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.
To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds 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 and recognize 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 special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
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Design Engineering Director (M/F) employer: Wabtec
Contact Detail:
Wabtec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineering Director (M/F)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Mors Smitt or Wabtec on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in design engineering, especially in the railway sector. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about innovation and excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with our mission of putting people first and expanding the possible. We want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineering Director (M/F)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for design engineering shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of putting people first.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in the railway or energy sector. We love seeing how your background fits into our vision, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Director of Design Engineering role. Share specific examples of your leadership and innovation in previous roles to really grab our attention!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in design engineering, especially in the railway and energy sectors. Familiarise yourself with key technologies like electromechanical components and rolling stock systems, as well as relevant standards like IEC 62443. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable leader ready to drive innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Think about specific projects where you fostered collaboration and innovation. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent, as this role is all about leading a global team and promoting a high-performance culture.
✨Align with Their Values
Since the company puts people first, be ready to discuss how you prioritise team dynamics and employee growth. Share your thoughts on creating an inclusive environment and how you’ve contributed to diversity in your previous roles. This will resonate well with their commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company's vision and goals. Inquire about their current R&D strategies or how they plan to tackle emerging technologies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
