Principal Engineer – Engine Projects

Salary: Competitive Salary

Contract Type: Full Time

Working Pattern: Permanent

The Opportunity – Principal Engineer – Engine Projects

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’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• 33 days’ holiday
• Access to our company pension
• Onsite gym
• In‑house doctor and dentist
• ULEV car scheme
• JCB Rewards Hub discounts with high street retailers
• 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 [email protected], and a member of the team will be in touch.

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