Mechanical Design Director (R&D)

BTI Executive Search Pte Ltd; Penang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Unknown Client in Malaysia seeks an experienced engineering leader to head Mechanical Engineering and Product Development. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on machine design and innovation across automation equipment.

The candidate will manage a team of design engineers, drive concept development, ensure reliable and cost-effective platforms, and collaborate with electronics, software, and manufacturing teams throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in machine design, mechanical design, or product development within automation or related industries.
• Strong expertise in machine architecture, precision mechanisms, motion systems, and engineering analysis.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex development projects.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on technical depth in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance leadership.
• Drive machine concept development, mechanism design, engineering calculations, component selection, and detailed mechanical design activities.
• Oversee the development of new equipment platforms while continuously improving existing machine performance, reliability, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Review and approve design concepts, engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Lead troubleshooting activities and provide solutions for complex mechanical and machine performance challenges.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, process, and project teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, design guidelines, and modular design practices to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Manage engineering resources, project priorities, design schedules, and technical decision-making to ensure successful project execution.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions and provide engineering recommendations to senior management when required.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering leadership

Education

Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering degree

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established engineering and technology-driven organization that specializes in the development of highly customized automation and precision equipment solutions. As part of their growth plans, they are seeking an experienced talent to lead their Mechanical Engineering and Product Development function.

This role is ideal for a seasoned engineering leader who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in complex machine design and product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance leadership.
• Drive machine concept development, mechanism design, engineering calculations, component selection, and detailed mechanical design activities.
• Oversee the development of new equipment platforms while continuously improving existing machine performance, reliability, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Review and approve design concepts, engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Lead troubleshooting activities and provide solutions for complex mechanical and machine performance challenges.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, process, and project teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, design guidelines, and modular design practices to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Manage engineering resources, project priorities, design schedules, and technical decision-making to ensure successful project execution.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions and provide engineering recommendations to senior management when required.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in machine design, mechanical design, or product development within automation, semiconductor equipment, precision machinery, or similar industries.
• Strong expertise in machine architecture, precision mechanisms, motion systems, and engineering analysis.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex development projects.
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with technical depth in a fast-paced engineering environment.