Mechanical Design Engineer - Mid-Level Talent Pool

The Opportunity - Mechanical Design Engineer - Mid-Level Talent Pool

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About the role:

As a Mechanical Design Engineer at JCB, you'll play a key role in developing the next generation of world-class construction and agricultural equipment. Working on real products that operate in some of the toughest environments on earth, you'll own the design and delivery of critical systems from concept through to production, shaping the future of our machines and technology.

This advert supports multiple upcoming opportunities across JCB's engineering divisions. Successful candidates will be considered for suitable Mechanical Design Engineer positions aligned to their skills and experience.

Projects may include Loadall telescopic handlers, excavators, wheel loaders, Fastrac tractors, defence products, power systems, and future electrified machine platforms.

Depending on the programme, you may also contribute to future technologies including electric powertrains, alternative fuels, autonomous systems, connected machines, and advanced operator environments.

What does this role involve day to day?

Mechanical Design Ownership

• Take ownership of mechanical systems, components, and assemblies from concept through to production.

• Develop innovative design solutions that meet performance, cost, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

• Design and integrate mechanical, hydraulic and powertrain systems to deliver reliable, high-performing machine solutions.

• Produce and maintain high-quality CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation.

• Support design reviews and ensure compliance with engineering standards and best practices.

Specialist Experience Areas

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Plastic Design

• Design and development of injection moulded plastic components and assemblies.

• Apply Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles for injection moulding processes.

• Work closely with suppliers, tooling manufacturers and manufacturing teams to optimise component performance and production efficiency.

• Support validation and testing of plastic parts to ensure durability and functionality.

Structural Design

• Design structural components and assemblies including fabricated, cast and sheet metal parts.

• Undertake engineering calculations and collaborate with analysis teams to ensure structural integrity and durability.

• Support the development of designs that meet performance, weight, cost and manufacturability targets.

• Participate in design validation activities to confirm product robustness in real-world operating conditions.

Engine, Drivetrain & Hydraulic Systems Integration

• Develop and package engine installations within machine platforms.

• Support drivetrain integration including transmissions, axles, power transfer systems and associated interfaces.

• Design and integrate associated systems including cooling, intake, exhaust, mounting and ancillary components.

• Integrate hydraulic systems and components to support machine functionality, performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with powertrain, hydraulics, electrical and vehicle engineering teams to achieve optimum machine performance.

• Ensure integration solutions meet serviceability, regulatory, packaging, durability and manufacturing requirements.

Validation & Testing

• Support component and system validation through rig, laboratory, and machine testing.

• Investigate design-related issues and support root cause analysis activities.

• Work closely with prototype and test teams to evaluate and refine design solutions.

• Verify products meet functional, reliability, and durability requirements.

Programme Delivery

• Support projects through all stages of the product development process.

• Contribute to programme reviews, change management activities, and engineering gateway milestones.

• Work collaboratively with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure successful delivery against timing and cost targets.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support engineering best practice development.

Working Across Functions

• Collaborate with manufacturing, purchasing, quality, suppliers, test engineers and programme teams.

• Balance performance, reliability, cost, quality and manufacturability requirements throughout the development process.

• Support engineering reviews, issue resolution, validation activities and programme delivery milestones.

• Build effective working relationships across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholders.

This will be suited to you if…

• You hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.

• You have at least 2 years' experience in a design engineering environment, ideally within off-highway, automotive, agricultural, or mobile machinery industries.

• Experience using 3D CAD tools is essential. Whilst Creo is preferred, we welcome candidates with experience in CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar parametric modelling software.

• You have a strong understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and product development methodologies.

• You are confident working within cross-functional engineering teams to deliver successful technical solutions.

You’ll stand out if you also have:

• Experience in one or more specialist areas including plastic component design, structural design, engine integration, drivetrain integration, or hydraulic systems integration.

• Experience integrating engines, powertrains, drivetrains or vehicle systems into complex machinery.

• Knowledge of Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) principles.

• Understanding of validation, testing and product development processes.

• Experience working within off-highway, automotive, agricultural, defence or mobile machinery environments.

In terms of how you work, you:

• Take ownership and accountability for your designs and deliverables.

• Balance technical excellence with practical engineering judgement.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers.

• Apply a structured, analytical approach to problem solving.

• Are proactive, collaborative, and focused on delivering results.

Career Development

At JCB, you'll have opportunities to:

• Develop technical expertise in specialist engineering disciplines.

• Lead increasingly complex systems, components and projects.

• Progress towards Senior Engineer, Technical Specialist or Engineering Leadership roles.

• Work across multiple machine platforms, product lines and engineering functions.

• Contribute to the development of future technologies and next-generation machine programmes.

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 Resourcing 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.