Director of Design Engineering

Who will you be working with?

We are seeking an experienced Director of Design Engineering to join our team at the Mor Smitt (a Division of Wabtec UK Ltd) based in Burton on Trent. 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/Mor Smitt, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, (DE13 8EN)

Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:30pm and Friday 08:00am to 13:00pm, 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

How will you make a difference?

The Director of Design Engineering leads Mors 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
• 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 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.