R&D Center Lead – Mechanical Design

Overview

In this role you will lead R&D mechanical design and build strong cross-functional partnerships to deliver target-driven outcomes. You’ll shape strategic design standards, roadmaps, and capability development across ELIP EMEA, while driving innovation and cost-reduction initiatives. You’ll manage a mechanical lab and guide prototyping, testing, and product release, contributing to ABB’s technology footprint and market relevance. This position offers leadership, collaboration, and real-world impact across global R&D.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits scheme
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design competency strategy, standards, and technical roadmaps across ELIP EMEA
• Develop and guide mechanical engineering teams including resource and succession planning
• Drive mechanical product development for conduits, fittings, enclosures, cable management and lightning/earthing accessories
• Own technical reviews, readiness assessments, prototyping, tooling, validation and product release
• Manage Coleshill Mechanical Laboratory, including accreditation and testing capability roadmaps
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Operations and external partners to align development with market needs
• Drive innovation, value engineering, cost reduction, and technology roadmaps
• Provide technical leadership for complex design challenges, root-cause investigations and continuous improvement

Key requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical product development within industrial, electrical, electronic or engineered-product sectors
• Strong knowledge of mechanical components, assemblies and manufacturing processes (injection moulding, extrusion, machining, casting, forging)
• Experience with 3D CAD, GD&T, FMEA, design verification and certification activities
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and engaging cross-functional stakeholders
• Knowledge of design for manufacture, design for assembly, design-to-cost and value engineering principles
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement
• Fluent English communication skills

• leadership
• communication
• problem-solving
• 3D CAD
• GD&T
• FMEA

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