Mechanical Development Engineer - Senior/Engineer

About the role: As a result of growing demands for our award‑winning range of diesel/hydrogen engines and an increasing number of exciting engine development programmes, we are seeking two talented Development Engineers who are looking for an opportunity to further their career at the cutting edge of power‑train validation, systems testing and development. Roles are based at our multi‑million pound engine research and development centre in Derbyshire but will involve some travel to support tests at external sites.

What does this role involve day to day? Mechanical Development Engineers are responsible for developing and validating our current and future propulsion systems to ensure product satisfaction for our global customer base. This role includes the following activities:

• Developing our Diesel & Hydrogen engines & IPUs to meet challenging requirements for durability and fault‑free performance.
• Designing, delivering and documenting durability and mechanical systems tests to demonstrate engine components and systems can operate across the wide range of machine duty cycles and environmental conditions that our applications are required to thrive in.
• Using first principles to support the definition of test methodologies and understand system responses.
• Applying a wide array of instrumentation and data acquisition techniques to capture data on dynamically operating systems.
• Specifying dynamometer and rig‑based engine tests, working closely with the test technician team to ensure test work is delivered (e.g. specification of instrumentation, planning of day‑to‑day test activities, co‑ordinating test components/equipment, clear written communication of work instruction).
• Post‑processing of data (Uniplot, Excel, ATI VDA), technical report writing and post‑test component evaluation.

For senior roles:

• Support the design and development of new test methodologies, from proof of concept through to documentation via SOPs.
• Help maintain/improve existing SOPs and drive best practice within the team.
• Lead complex issue resolution activities with multi‑disciplined teams, following the 8D process.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

This will be suited to you if…

• You have an established engineering background, hold a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and can work independently.
• You have an enthusiastic attitude towards engineering, coupled with a sense of urgency and desire to succeed.
• You’re confident working under pressure, managing deadlines, and planning work effectively.
• You have good general knowledge of engine systems supported by more specific knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Major castings, Power conversion, Lubrication system, Cooling system, CCV system, Valve train, Air path, Rotating electrics, Front end accessory drive (FEAD), NVH, Strain gauge measurement.
• You are familiar with engine control strategies/software (e.g. ATI Vision, CDM Studio) and test bed control systems (e.g. Cadet, TLS, NI TestLab).
• You have excellent technical report writing skills and are able to communicate findings and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• You have used fault tree analysis / FMEA / practical application of structured problem‑solving techniques.
• You enjoy operating in a dynamic, team‑based working environment.

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, 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.