Principal Engineer- Operator Environment in Uttoxeter

As a Principal Engineer in the Operator Environment team, you will provide technical leadership and governance for cab and operator systems across JCB products. You will ensure designs are safe, compliant, robust, and fit for long term use, while supporting programme delivery and continuous improvement. You’ll play a central role in ensuring the team develop robust design solutions whilst ensuring technical, cost and quality requirements are met from concept through to production. As part of this, you’ll play an integral part of the JCB Cab Systems cost saving challenge. You’ll support the quality, manufacturing and service teams in resolving concerns arising as a result of fabrication, assembly and warranty issues.

What does this role involve day to day?

• Act as technical authority for Operator Environment systems, including cab layout, ergonomics, HVAC, controls, visibility, noise and vibration.
• Lead Operator Environment input to NPIP and Technical Reviews (TR1–ESO), ensuring robust and timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, standards, and internal engineering requirements.
• Own and manage technical risk, including DFMEAs and validation strategies.
• Drive standardisation, reuse, and complexity reduction across Operator Environment systems.
• Work closely with cross functional teams (Structures, E&E, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Business Units).
• Support and challenge suppliers to deliver technically sound and cost effective solutions.
• Mentor and support engineers, helping build capability and raise technical standards within the team.
• Liaise with test and development teams on validation of Endurance, Customer Evaluation and DVP build requirements.
• Feed learning from testing, field data, and warranty into future designs.

This will be suited to you if…

• You have a strong technical background in Operator Environment, Cab Systems, or similar complex mechanical systems.
• You have experience providing technical leadership on multi disciplinary engineering projects.
• You have a solid understanding of engineering governance, risk management, and validation.
• You’re comfortable operating at Technical Review and programme level with senior stakeholders.
• You’re able to balance safety, performance, cost, quality, and delivery.
• You have excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• You have experience in design of structural fabrications and plastic mouldings.
• You have an understanding of Earth Moving machinery design and governance.
• You’re proficient in the use of Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• You hold a degree in Mechanical (or similar) Engineering or you have proven applicable work experience.

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.