Principal Engineer – Engine Projects

JCB, Inc.; South Derbyshire; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym access

Onsite doctor

Dental care

Pension

33 days holiday

Cycle to work

Job summary

JCB Power Systems is seeking a Principal Engineer – Engine Projects to lead and support engine product development from concept through to production launch. You will drive cross-functional execution, maintain engine specifications, and ensure on-time delivery against quality, cost, and regulatory goals.

You will lead prototype builds, coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, and supply teams, and steer issues to robust resolutions while communicating progress to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent with at least 5 years in engine/PW development.
• Experience leading complex engineering projects across cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of engine product development lifecycle and sign-off processes.

Responsibilities

• Creating and maintaining engine specs from targets and customer needs.
• Managing engine-level project plans across all engineering functions.
• Leading prototype build planning and hands-on support.
• Co-ordinating engine builds with procurement, storage, and manufacturing.
• Driving issue resolution and continuous improvement in development.

Skills

Engine development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Regulatory awareness

Education

Engineering Degree (Mechanical) or related

Job description

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About the role:

As a result of growing demand for our award-winning range of combustion engines and several exciting engine development programmes, JCB Power Systems is seeking a Principal Engineer – Engine Projects to lead and support engine product development and launch activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to further their career within a fast-paced, innovative organisation at the forefront of engine design and development. You will play a key role in leading new engine and industrial power unit projects from concept through to successful production launch, ensuring robust engineering sign-off and delivery against regulatory, quality, cost and timing objectives.

Acting as a technical leader and primary point of contact across cross-functional teams, you will drive project execution, coordinate development activities and support the delivery of world-class products that meet the expectations of our customers globally.

What does this role involve day to day?

• Creating and maintaining engine specification documents based on programme targets and customer requirements.
• Developing and managing engine-level project plans covering activities across all engineering functions.
• Analysing project plans to identify critical paths, risks and delays, ensuring appropriate mitigation plans are implemented.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams to define project activities, resource requirements and delivery plans.
• Supporting the prioritisation of engineering resources and activities to ensure successful project execution.
• Managing changes in project scope and ensuring alignment across engineering plans and stakeholders.
• Leading prototype build planning and providing hands‑on support throughout build activities.
• Coordinating engine builds through all project phases, including:
  • Managing prototype procurement processes.
  • Liaising with prototype parts storage teams to ensure component availability.
  • Coordinating with Manufacturing teams to deliver engine builds on schedule.
  • Ensuring components are delivered to the correct build stations.
  • Supporting build activities and verifying correct component installation.
  • Coordinating logistics requirements for engine shipment and testing activities.
• Supporting all aspects of the Design Verification Plan (DVP), from engine build through to dyno and machine testing.
• Coordinating and supervising analytical, rig, engine and machine validation activities.
• Supporting the development fleet and early launch products, ensuring issues are addressed effectively.
• Leading technical problem‑solving activities and driving robust issue resolution during engine development and launch.
• Acting as the primary technical interface between Product and Powertrain teams to ensure effective communication and integration.
• Providing regular project status updates to Programme and Leadership teams.
• Maintaining open issue tracking and reporting systems, ensuring issues are resolved using recognised problem‑solving methodologies.
• Supporting programme gateways, milestone reviews and engineering sign-off activities.
• Driving continuous improvement through lessons learned activities and updating design and development standards where required.
• Supporting quality, design, development, manufacturing and service teams in resolving technical issues to deliver a world‑class product.

This will be suited to you if...

• You hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline or can demonstrate equivalent qualifications and experience.
• You have more than five years' relevant industry experience within engine development, powertrain systems or a similar engineering environment.
• You have a strong understanding of the engine product development lifecycle, from concept through design, validation and production launch.
• You possess expertise in engine systems and component specification, development, testing and sign-off processes.
• You are highly organised and capable of managing complex technical projects with multiple stakeholders.
• You have proven project management skills and strong commercial awareness.
• You can effectively influence and coordinate activities across teams without direct management responsibility.
• You are comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and challenging deadlines.
• You are analytical, detail‑oriented and data‑driven in your approach to decision making.
• You communicate clearly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels, adapting your style to suit different audiences.
• You enjoy taking ownership of projects and are motivated by seeing products successfully delivered from concept through to launch.
• You thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Even better if...

• You have previous experience leading engine or powertrain development projects.
• You have experience coordinating prototype build activities and validation programmes.
• You have a strong understanding of DVP processes and engineering sign-off requirements.
• You have experience of issue management and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• You have worked with global engineering teams and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• You have experience supporting product launches and early production activities.
• You have knowledge of engine emissions legislation and regulatory compliance requirements.
• You have a track record of successfully delivering complex engineering programmes on time and within budget.
• You enjoy mentoring and sharing technical knowledge to support the development of others.

Qualifications

• Engineering Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant industry experience in engine, powertrain or related mechanical engineering development environments.

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 [e-mail]

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 Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email [e-mail], 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.