Company Profile
With over 80 years of innovation, JCB is the world’s largest privately owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. Operating 23 manufacturing facilities across four continents—including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil—JCB produces a diverse portfolio of more than 300 products. These include telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.
At the heart of JCB’s success are its people. As a family-owned business, we are accountable to our customers—not shareholders—which gives us the flexibility to focus on long-term innovation and delivering real value. This independence allows us to continuously develop advanced technologies and integrate them into equipment designed to perform in the toughest environments while maximizing customer productivity.
At JCB, we stand behind our products—and our name—with pride and commitment to quality.
Position Purpose
The Senior Powertrain Engineer – JCB Access will be the technical authority for powertrain systems across the Aerial Work Platform (AWP) portfolio, covering internal combustion engines, electric drivetrains, battery systems, propulsion components, cooling systems, and power distribution. This role ensures powertrain performance, reliability, thermal stability, efficiency, and compliance with global regulatory requirements. The position will be based at JCB World Headquarters in Rocester, UK until Q1 2027, working closely with global engineering teams. In Q1 2027, it will transition permanently to the new JCB San Antonio, Texas facility as part of the establishment of the Access engineering centre.
Position Type
Full Time, Exempt
Location
Onsite in San Antonio, Texas: 13210 Palo Alto Road, San Antonio, TX 78224
Primary location (2026–Q1 2027): JCB World Headquarters, Rocester, UK
Permanent relocation (Q1 2027 onward): JCB San Antonio, Texas, USA
International travel may be required to support global engineering and manufacturing teams.
Benefits and Other Compensation
JCB offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401 (k) retirement plan; paid time off and paid holidays.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted through Careers | JCB Careers | JCB Jobs | JCB or via LinkedIn. The anticipated application window will close on July 17, 2026.
Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities
Powertrain Engineering Leadership
- Lead the design, integration, and optimisation of powertrain systems for boom and scissor AWP products.
- Develop powertrain architectures that meet performance, efficiency, thermal, and regulatory requirements.
- Select and validate engines, motors, inverters, batteries, cooling systems, and energy management components.
- Ensure robust integration between powertrain, hydraulic systems, control software, vehicle stability systems, and machine architecture.
Technical Execution & Compliance
- Ensure all powertrain systems comply with global AWP and emissions standards including ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO, EPA, and EU Stage regulations.
- Conduct system-level DFMEAs, thermal analysis, duty-cycle modelling, and performance simulations.
- Develop and release high quality engineering documentation including design reviews, validation plans, and technical reports.
- Lead root cause investigations for powertrain-related failures and implement corrective actions.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work with NPIP teams to ensure new product programmes achieve powertrain performance and efficiency targets.
- Partner with Current Product Engineering to resolve field issues related to engines, motors, drivetrains, cooling systems, or energy storage.
- Collaborate with Hydraulic, Electrical, Structure, and Vehicle Integration engineers to ensure seamless system compatibility.
- Support Manufacturing Engineering on assembly processes, packaging constraints, and production readiness.
Prototyping, Testing & Validation
- Participate in prototype builds to ensure proper integration, routing, and commissioning of powertrain systems.
- Define and execute validation plans including thermal and pressure mapping, motor characterization, drive testing, and endurance cycles.
- Review test results, analyse data, and drive iterative design improvements.
- Support on machine tuning and calibration where applicable.
Technical Mentorship & Influence
- Act as the subject matter expert for powertrain systems within the Access division.
- Mentor engineers on propulsion concepts, thermal management, efficiency optimisation, and testing methodology.
- Contribute to the development of engineering standards, simulation models, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automotive, or related engineering discipline.
- Extensive experience with powertrain systems for off highway equipment, AWPs, or comparable mobile machinery.
- 7+ years of relevant engineering experience including engines, hydrostatic drivetrains, electric drivetrains, battery systems, or hybrid architectures.
- Strong understanding of cooling systems, driveline components, energy management, and power distribution.
- Experience working with global standards (ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO, EPA).
Strong analytical ability including duty cycle modelling, thermal analysis, and performance evaluation.
- Ability to work effectively with global engineering teams.
- Experience with powertrain simulation tools, thermal analysis software, or energy modelling tools.
- Background in prototype builds, powertrain commissioning, and validation test execution.
- Knowledge of DFM, DFA, and manufacturing processes.
- Must pass any drug screens, background checks, and any pre-employment tests, which will be conducted in accordance with applicable law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
- Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
- Strong engineering judgement and technical decision-making
- Excellent cross-functional communication
- System-level problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
- Leadership in design reviews and technical discussions
- Continuous improvement mindset
Job Conditions
- Manufacturing/factory environment.
- Subject to noise and temperature changes.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Must be able to work flexible schedule, including Friday - Sunday 6am -6pm
- Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently and/or move up to 35lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.
- Must be able to perform continuous, repetitious physical activities. These activities may involve fine movements or large motions.
- Must be able to grasp/pinch small items, reach out and up, and turn wrist.
- Must be capable of keeping pace with current production speed.
- Must be able to push/pull with reasonable force.
- Must be able to perform the following requirements of bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to work in multiple climates including hot/cold temperatures, and dusty environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
JCB is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability statute, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws.
EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
JCB complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the JCB Human Resources team at
[email protected].
JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S., which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers.
Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
