JCB Power Systems
Derby, DE65 5BX

Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

Salary: Competitive Salary
Working Pattern: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 10 Aug 2026 - 12:00 am UTC
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Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

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The Opportunity – Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

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About the role:

Due to continued growth of our award-winning engine range, JCB Power Systems is looking for a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer to play a leading role in the development and delivery of mechanical engine systems across both new product introduction and current product support programmes.

You’ll provide technical and people leadership, taking ownership of ensuring high-quality engineering solutions are delivered safely, on time and within budget.

 

What does this role involve day to day?

  • Lead, develop and mentor a team of Mechanical Systems Engineers.
  • Own the technical delivery of mechanical engine systems from concept through validation, production release and in-service support.
  • Plan and coordinate engineering activities, resources and budgets to support programme delivery.
  • Work closely with manufacturing, purchasing, quality, development teams and suppliers to deliver robust engineering solutions.
  • Be accountable for technical risk management, support programme reviews and provide clear delivery status updates across the activities you and your team are responsible for.
  • Champion continuous improvement, structured problem solving and engineering best practice.
  • Act as the engineering sign-off authority for your team, ensuring solutions meet performance, durability, quality, cost and manufacturability targets.

 

This will be suited to you if...

  • You have a degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related discipline) with significant experience in the development of internal combustion engine systems.
  • You have proven experience leading engineering teams and taking accountability for the successful delivery of complex engineering programmes to demanding timescales.
  • You have a strong understanding of mechanical system design, engine performance, integration and validation.
  • You have knowledge and application of internal combustion engine principles and product development processes.
  • You have experience working with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • You have excellent communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • You have proven experience leading engineering teams and taking accountability for the successful delivery of complex engineering programmes to demanding timescales.

Most importantly, you'll be a tenacious and highly capable engineer who takes ownership, is comfortable taking a pragmatic approach to delivery and accepts accountability for delivering results. You ‘ll be comfortable challenging assumptions, managing risk and driving complex engineering projects to a successful conclusion.

 

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 recruitment@jcb.com 

 

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 recruitment@jcb.com, 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. 

You are applying for...
Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer
Salary: Competitive Salary
Working Pattern: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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We collect the following information to monitor our recruitment selection processes to offer fair and equal opportunities for all applicants.
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, these details are strictly for monitoring purposes only and the information you provide is not visible to our recruitment team as part of your application.
Criminal Convictions
Have you been convicted of any criminal offence(s) which are not spent under the rehabilitation act 1974.
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We ask anyone who wants to join our team if they have any unspent criminal convictions. This doesn't mean we won't consider your application, but we need to assess the relevance against the nature of the role and whether the conviction(s) mean the role isn't suitable.
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This role is based on site at JCB Power Systems in Derby, Staffordshire on a full-time basis, are you happy to proceed with your application? Yes/No
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Please note that JCB's annual shutdown is approaching and sites will be closed from 20th July to 10th August. During this period, recruitment activity will be temporarily paused. Applications will be reviewed once we return on 11th August, and all candidates will be contacted with an update regarding the status of their application following our return.
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