Principal Design Engineer – JCB Power Systems

JCB; South Derbyshire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in South Derbyshire seeks a Principal Design Engineer to lead design projects and mentor a passionate team at their innovative facility. The role involves collaborating on next-generation hydrogen and combustion platforms, driving engineering activities, and solving complex problems using engineering principles. The ideal candidate holds a mechanical engineering degree and has CAD expertise, particularly in Siemens NX. Benefits include flexible working, competitive salary, and holistic employee support, making it a great opportunity for career-driven professionals.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days holiday

Company pension

Onsite gym

In-house doctor and dentist

ULEV car scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

JCB Rewards Hub discounts

Qualifications

• Relevant experience to work autonomously on engineering problems.
• Strong proficiency in calculations for design elements like camshaft and bearing sizing.
• Experience leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design engineering activities across engine NPI programs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and manage team workload.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship.

Skills

Engineering first principles

CAD expertise (preferably Siemens NX)

Designing medium-duty diesel engines

People and communication skills

Education

Degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline

Tools

FEA

CFD

Combustion simulation tools

Job description

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to join JCB Power Systems at our cutting‑edge engineering centre in Foston, Derbyshire, where innovation meets impact. As a Principal Design Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of engine technology—leading design projects that span from concept to production, including next‑generation hydrogen and combustion platforms. You’ll be part of a passionate team driving forward our mission to build a cleaner, more efficient future, with the freedom to influence, mentor, and make a real difference in a fast‑paced, forward‑thinking environment.

What does this role involve day to day?

• Lead the day-to-day design engineering activities of a team, across full engine NPI programs, sprint programs, and current product support
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, manage team workload, and integrate with wider project teams to meet deadlines
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership while contributing to process development and team direction

This will be suited to you if...

• You have relevant experience and can work autonomously, applying engineering first principles to solve complex problems
• You hold a degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, with strong CAD expertise (preferably Siemens NX)
• You have experience designing medium‑duty diesel engines and components, and are proficient in calculations for camshaft design, bearing sizing, bolted joints, gasket loads, belt drive systems, and tolerance stacks
• You’re confident with GD&T, technical documentation, and working with FEA, CFD, and combustion simulation tools
• You have excellent people and communication skills, and experience leading engineering teams

What happens next?

Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in‑person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch at

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Resourcing Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email recruitment@, and a member of the team will be in touch.

Recruitment Agencies : JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.