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Location:

Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom

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Other

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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?

1. Develop and execute R&D and engineering strategies aligned with market trends and business objectives, including product roadmap integration and technology acquisitions
2. Lead multi-disciplinary teams across global sites, fostering innovation, excellence, and a high-performance culture
3. Establish and maintain robust design standards, governance frameworks, and lifecycle management processes, including phase gate reviews and documentation control
4. Champion Design for Cost (DfC) and lead reengineering and cost-down initiatives for both new and mature products
5. Deploy, audit, and continuously improve global engineering tools, CAD/PLM systems, and development methodologies
6. Establish and oversee a global Centre of Competence (CoC) for product testing, validation, and homologation, coordinating central and satellite labs
7. Foster strong partnerships with Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution and delivery
8. 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.