Head of Design Engineering

Overview

Lead design engineering team, oversee CAD/PDM/ERP, ensure manufacturable designs.

Key Responsibilities

• dfma/vave
• design release
• capacity planning
• design standards
• lean culture
• solidworks pdm

Tasks

Externiture is looking for a disciplined, hands-on Head of Design Engineering to lead our design function across the business. This is a senior operational and technical leadership role, overseeing product design, portfolio planning, and the integration between CAD, PDM, and MRP systems. If you are ready to lead a design team that delivers meaningful impact, apply now and help shape the next generation of public transport infrastructure with Externiture. Location: Thatcham, Berkshire (UK) with travel to clients and suppliers, and Externiture depots as required You will combine design excellence with engineering discipline—driving delivery, maintaining standards, and leading a skilled team of designers to produce accurate, manufacturable drawings on time. Your leadership will enable lean, efficient, and scalable manufacturing for our range of public transport infrastructure products. -Drive DFMA and VAVE initiatives to simplify designs, standardise components, and reduce costs. -Ensure on-time, first-time-right design releases. -Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure repeatable, high-quality production. -Manage design scheduling, capacity planning, and performance tracking. -Develop and maintain design standards, drawing practices, and sign-off gates. -Promote a lean, accountable, and continuous improvement culture within the design office. -Lead and manage the Design Engineering team (Senior and Junior Designers). -Administer and enforce SolidWorks PDM discipline and CAD to MRP integration (123 Insight or equivalent).

Requirements

• solidworks
• 123 insight
• six sigma
• dfma
• 8+ years
• leadership

What You Bring

You are an experienced design and engineering leader with a strong focus on manufacturability and data-driven design. You thrive in an environment that values structure, delivery, and continuous improvement. -Excellent communication, technical writing, and team development skills. -Awareness of electrical integration (lighting, solar, RTI). -Good understanding of manufacturing methods including extrusions, sheet metal, welded fabrications, and jigs/fixtures. -Experience with 123 Insight, SolidWorks Simulation, or low-code PLM integration. -Proven experience managing design portfolios with clear schedules and delivery metrics. -MRP or ERP integration experience (ideally 123 Insight). -At least eight years in product or industrial design for metal, fabrication, or construction-based products. -Experience within street furniture, transport infrastructure, or construction product design. -Expert SolidWorks user with advanced PDM administration skills. -Strong governance across BOM discipline, ECN/ECO, tolerance analysis, and drawing standards. -Lean Six Sigma or experience leading DFMA/VAVE workshops. -Proven success in DFMA and cost reduction initiatives. -Familiarity with BS EN 1090, UKCA marking, and architectural coatings. -Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.

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Benefits

Hybrid working available after a three-month onboarding period Full-time | Permanent | Competitive Salary and Benefits -Training and professional development opportunities -Competitive salary and performance-related bonus -Qualification-linked pay progression -Generous holiday entitlement -Private medical and wellbeing support -Company pension and life assurance

About Externiture Limited

-Founded in 2001 and based in Thatcham, England, the company specialises in public transport infrastructure. -They design, manufacture, install and maintain bus shelters, cycle shelters and real‑time passenger information systems. -Operating as a niche small company, they consistently grow their business annually. -Typical projects include supplying municipal and commercial authorities with bus stop infrastructure and maintenance services. -They serve transport and public sector clients with tailored shelter and RTPI infrastructure solutions. -A standout point is their full‑service model from innovation through installation to refurbishment, under one roof.

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