Head of Design Engineering – Special-Purpose Machinery

CENTURION SEARCH | Cabinet de recrutement

. Lead the design engineering department, allocate tasks, set priorities and anticipate workload peaks .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeCaen • FranceLead💰 €50,000 - €65,000 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in electropneumatic design and project management within the special-purpose machinery sector, ensuring compliance with safety standards and effective team leadership. Proficient in CAD/CAE tools and capable of analyzing customer requirements to deliver tailored solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electropneumatic Design ExpertiseTeam Management ExperienceProficiency in CAD/CAE ToolsAdvanced Technical Degree in Electrical EngineeringProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Design EngineeringElectrical SchematicsPneumatic SchematicsHydraulic SolutionsP&IDs KnowledgeCost EstimationFeasibility AnalysisTechnical Decision-MakingWorkload ManagementRisk Assessment

Soft Skills

Natural LeadershipStrong Organisational SkillsSound Decision-MakingCross-Functional CollaborationEase Working with External Contractors

Industry Keywords

Special-Purpose MachineryIndustrial EquipmentMachine Safety StandardsField ExperienceCustomer Site Work

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

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About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design engineering department, allocate tasks, set priorities and anticipate workload peaks
Manage and develop team members, and engage external contractors when necessary
Ensure the suitability of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic solutions for special-purpose machinery
Meet cost, schedule and quality commitments in collaboration with project managers
Approve P&IDs, equipment selections and budgets within the department’s scope
Oversee projects through manufacturing and assembly, supporting teams and making technical decisions when required
Support pre-sales activities by analysing customer requirements, assessing feasibility, defining the solution and preparing cost estimates
Collaborate with the mechanical and automation design engineering teams, as well as Procurement, Assembly and After-Sales Service
Ensure compliance with machine safety standards and risk assessment requirements
Anticipate component obsolescence, promote standardisation and improve the department’s methods

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced technical degree at Master’s level (Master 2 or engineering degree) in electrical engineering, electrotechnics, automation, pneumatics/hydraulics or a related field
At least 10 years of experience in design engineering, ideally involving special-purpose machinery or industrial equipment
Expertise in electropneumatic design and experience managing a team
Practical field experience, including work at customer sites
Proficiency in the design, sizing and electrical and pneumatic schematics
Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools
Good knowledge of P&IDs in an industrial environment
Ability to analyse requirements, challenge proposed solutions and make design decisions
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including workload, schedules, priorities, costs and deadlines
Technical English sufficient to understand documentation and communicate internationally
Natural leadership, strong organisational skills, sound decision-making ability and ease working cross-functionally