R&D Center Lead - Mechanical Design

Robotics Jobs UK; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Flexible benefits (holidays, health, &

Private medical cover

Company car

Generous bonus scheme

Job summary

ABB is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineering leader in the UK to drive design competency, roadmaps and capability development. You will lead cross-functional teams across ELIP EMEA, focusing on conduits, enclosures and cable management while aligning with market needs and product strategy.

You will own technical reviews, prototype readiness and testing, and manage the Coleshill Mechanical Laboratory, fostering innovation and continuous improvement within a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical product development across industrial/electrical sectors.
• Strong knowledge of components, assemblies and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with 3D CAD, GD&T, FMEA, design verification and certification.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Knowledge of DFM/DFM and value engineering principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skills; innovation focus.
• Fluent English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design competency strategy, standards, roadmaps and capability development.
• Direct mechanical engineering teams; ensure resource planning and skills development.
• Drive mechanical product development for conduits, enclosures and cable management.
• Own technical reviews, design readiness, prototyping and product release.
• Develop Coleshill Mechanical Laboratory; plan accreditation and testing roadmaps.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Operations and partners.
• Drive innovation, cost reduction and technology roadmaps.
• Provide technical leadership for complex design challenges and investigations.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

Cross-functional

3D CAD

GD&T

FMEA

Design for Manufacture

Communication

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related discipline

Tools

3D CAD

FMEA

Design verification

Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This Position Reports To

R&D Global Unit Lead

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead and represent Research and Development (R&D) operations to achieve the agreed R&D targets. Each day, you will ensure delivery of R&D results to enhance ABB's position and profitability while supporting global R&D management in developing technology and footprint strategies. You will also showcase your expertise by fostering effective and trust-bsed cooperation with other local R&D operations.

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.

What’s in it for you?

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

Your Role And Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll help run what runs the world, by taking on meaningful work that drives real impact.

Work model: Hybrid

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

Qualifications For The Role

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or a 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 including injection moulding, extrusion, machining, casting and 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.

Benefits

ABB offers a full range of benefits to help you thrive at work and beyond.

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous employee referral scheme
• Company car
• Private medical cover for yourself and partner
• Generous bonus scheme

For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.

More About Us

ABB Installation Products Division (formerly Thomas&Betts), helps manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power from source to socket. The Division’s products are engineered to provide ease of installation and perform in demanding and harsh conditions, helping to ensure safety and continuous operation for utilities, businesses and people around the world. The Commercial Essentials product segment includes electrical junction boxes, commercial fittings, strut and cable tray metal framing systems for commercial and residential construction. The Premier Industrial product segment includes multiple product lines, such as Ty-Rap® cable ties, T&B Liquidtight Systems® protection products, PVC coated and nylon conduit systems, power connection and grounding systems, and cable protection systems of conduits and fittings for harsh and industrial applications. The Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market under its marquee brands including Elastimold™ reclosers and switchgear, capacitor switches, current limiting fuses, Homac™ distribution connectors, Hi-Tech Valiant™ full-range current limiting fuse for fire mitigation, faulted current indicators and distribution connectors, cable accessories and apparatus with products for overhead and underground distribution. Manufacturing includes made-to-stock and custom-made solutions.

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world.

Run What Runs the World.

#RunwithABB

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?