Senior Powertrain Engineer - San Antonio, Texas

JCB North America•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
Professional Engineer (PE) designation.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.