Design Manager

Wiltech Acoustics — now proudly part of Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy) — is entering an exciting phase of growth and investment. Now integrated into Rehlko’s global energy-resilience group, Wiltech continues to build on its reputation as a leading UK specialist in acoustic canopies, generator enclosures, and industrial noise-control engineering.

Based in Loughborough, our manufacturing facility handles everything in-house — from raw material processing to welding, fabrication, painting, and full assembly of bespoke acoustic units. Joining Wiltech now means becoming part of a strengthened, well-funded and expanding organisation, with new opportunities created through the Rehlko transition.

Design Manager
Wiltech Acoustics have a vacancy for a proactive and experienced Design Manager to join our team.

Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Team Management

• Design Team Leadership — Lead, mentor, and develop the design team, ensuring high‑quality output, consistent standards, and strong technical capability.
• Workflow & Resource Planning — Allocate design resources, manage workloads, and ensure timely delivery of drawings, models, and documentation.

Product Development & Innovation

• Product Development Oversight — Manage the full lifecycle of new acoustic products, from concept and prototyping to validation and production release.
• Innovation & R&D Support — Drive innovation by exploring new materials, acoustic technologies, and design approaches.

Technical Design Management

• Technical Design Review — Approve detailed drawings, 3D models, acoustic simulations, and engineering documentation to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
• Acoustic Performance Integration — Ensure all designs meet required acoustic performance criteria, collaborating with acoustic engineers for validation.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Manufacturing Collaboration — Work closely with production, engineering, procurement, and quality teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost‑effective, and aligned with manufacturing capabilities.
• Customer‑Driven Design Support — Translate customer requirements into technical design solutions, including bespoke acoustic products and custom manufacturing requests.

Prototyping, Testing & Validation

• Prototyping Oversight — Lead prototype builds and coordinate acoustic and mechanical testing.
• Performance Validation — Validate acoustic performance, durability, and manufacturability before production release.

Compliance, Standards & Documentation

• Design Compliance — Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality procedures (ISO 9001, CE, fire ratings, acoustic standards).
• Documentation & Version Control — Maintain accurate BOMs, drawings, and technical documentation within current and future systems, PLM/ERP.

Experience

• Proven experience as a Design Manager, Senior Designer, or similar role in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of acoustic products, noise‑control solutions, or engineered materials.
• Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, acoustic data, and engineering specifications.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with DFM, prototyping, and production processes.
• Knowledge of relevant standards (ISO 9001, CE, fire ratings, acoustic standards).

Qualifications

• Background in acoustic engineering, architectural acoustics, HVAC noise control, or industrial noise‑reduction solutions.
• Experience with PLM/ERP systems and structured documentation control.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.