Senior Powertrain Systems Engineer

Marcus Webb Associates Limited; Foston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engine manufacturing company in Derbyshire, UK is seeking a Senior / Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer. The role requires expertise in powertrain systems design and emphasizes leadership in systems engineering. Responsibilities include leading the design of internal combustion engine components, defining technical specifications, and mentoring less experienced engineers. The position offers a salary between £60,000 and £70,000 plus benefits, with the potential for relocation assistance and visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of post-graduate industry-based experience in powertrain systems design.
• Proven experience in systems engineering for internal combustion engines.
• Strong hands-on experience in systems like Valvetrain and Aftertreatment.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems-level design of internal combustion engine components.
• Define technical specifications and coordinate design validation.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to less experienced engineers.

Skills

Powertrain systems design

Systems engineering

Leadership capability

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD tools (e.g., Creo, CATIA)

Job description

Senior / Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer Derbyshire, UK

Salary : £60,000 – £70,000 + Benefits (flexible salary)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior or Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer to take a leading role in the design and development of base engine systems for a well-established engine manufacturing company based in Derbyshire, UK.

Note : you will work on diesel and hydrogen combustion engine technologies.

This is a principal / lead engineer position requiring strong technical knowledge, leadership capability, and a proven track record in systems-level design within the internal combustion engine (ICE) domain. The successful candidate will take ownership of major sub-systems within engine programmes and provide technical direction across multidisciplinary teams and suppliers.

Note : This is not a CAD design role. It involves high-level systems engineering, including requirements capture, technical specification, tolerance analysis, validation planning, and supplier oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems-level design of internal combustion engine components and subsystems (diesel or gasoline), with full lifecycle ownership from concept through validation.
• Define technical specifications, lead DFMEA reviews, and coordinate design validation and verification activities.
• Act as the senior technical point of contact for suppliers delivering detailed component designs.
• Collaborate with in-house development, test, and manufacturing teams to ensure design intent is achieved.
• Provide mentoring and technical leadership to less experienced engineers when required.

Required Skills & Experience

• A degree (or higher qualification) in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of post-graduate, industry-based experience in powertrain systems design, specifically in base engine systems.
• Proven experience in systems engineering for internal combustion engines across applications such as automotive, off-highway, rail, marine, or power generation.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more of the following systems (e.g. Valvetrain design (DOHC / SOHC), Timing gear systems, Crankcase ventilation (CCV), Aftertreatment systems (e.g., DEF / SCR), Fuel systems, including hydrogen experience, Air handling systems (e.g., intake manifolds, throttle bodies)
• Ability to interpret and manipulate CAD data (prior use of tools such as Creo or CATIA is advantageous).
• Experience overseeing validation testing and collaborating with external suppliers on technical delivery.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, office-based role in Derbyshire, UK. Relocation and visa sponsorship can be considered for the right candidate. Commutable from : Rocester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Burton-on-Trent