Job Description

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 Controls Engineer – Hydraulics & Electrical will be the technical authority for the integration of control systems that combine hydraulic, electrical, and electronic subsystems across the Aerial Work Platform (AWP) product range. This role is responsible for machine level functional control, system logic, safety behaviour, component selection, control architecture, diagnostics, simulation, and validation of both hydraulic and electrical systems.

The position will be based at JCB World Headquarters in Rocester, UK until Q1 2027, then will relocate permanently to the new JCB San Antonio, Texas facility to support the establishment of the North American engineering centre.

Position Type
Full Time, Exempt

Location
Onsite in San Antonio, Texas: 13210 Palo Alto Road, San Antonio, TX 78224

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 15, 2026.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities
Controls Engineering Leadership
• Lead the development of integrated control strategies for hydraulic and electrical systems on boom and scissor AWP platforms.
• Define machine control architectures covering sensors, actuators, controllers, CAN networks, logic functions, and safety systems.
• Develop and validate control algorithms for proportional valves, motor drives, pumps, stabilising systems, load sensing, and operator interface electronics.
• Ensure seamless interaction between hydraulic circuits, electrical components, and embedded software.
Hydraulic & Electrical System Integration
• Develop models, schematics, block diagrams, and signal maps that link hydraulic behaviour with electronic control functionality.
• Work with other engineers to define valve logic, flow control, pressure management, dynamic response, and stability related control strategies.
• Work with software engineering to define sensor selection, network architectures, connector requirements, and communication protocols.
• Ensure machine systems meet safety, performance, efficiency, and regulatory objectives.

Technical Execution & Compliance
• Ensure all control systems comply with global AWP requirements under ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO, and relevant electrical and hydraulic safety standards.
• Conduct DFMEAs, safety analyses, network robustness assessments, and system functional safety reviews.
• Develop software specifications, control logic documentation, and validation plans.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and refinement of machine level functional behaviour.

Prototyping, Build Support & Validation
• Support prototype machine builds to ensure proper installation, routing, commissioning, and functional bring up of controls related systems.
• Execute validation plans including functional testing, duty cycle testing, communication robustness, stability verification, hydraulic response, and fault reaction behaviour.
• Tune control parameters, calibrate sensors, and verify functional behaviour across full operating envelopes.

Cross Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with software, structure, vehicle integration, software, powertrain, and test engineering teams to ensure full system compatibility.
• Support NPIP programmes from concept through validation, ensuring control systems meet product performance and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with Current Product Engineering on field issues related to system performance, diagnostics, or control responsiveness.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs align with assembly processes, serviceability, and production readiness.
Technical Mentorship & Standards Development
• Serve as the senior subject matter expert for machine control systems that bridge hydraulics and electrical domains.
• Mentor junior engineers in controls engineering principles, hydraulic electrical integration, diagnostics, and safe system design.
• Develop design standards, simulation models, diagnostic strategies, and continuous improvement activities for controls systems.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related discipline.
Extensive experience with control systems for Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) or comparable off highway mobile machinery.
• 7+ years of engineering experience working with hydraulic and electrical system integration, embedded control, and machine level functionality.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic proportional control, flow/pressure regulation, and electro hydraulic actuation.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems including sensors, controllers, wiring, batteries, CANbus communication, and safety circuits.
• Experience with global AWP, electrical, and hydraulic standards (ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO).
• Strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Experience with Automation Studio, MATLAB or similar modelling tools for electro hydraulic simulation.
• Background in prototype builds, commissioning, and control system validation.
• 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 or equivalent is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
• Strong engineering judgement and decision making
• System level problem solving and analytical capability
• Excellent cross functional communication and coordination
• Ability to lead design reviews and technical integration 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 hrsupport@jcb.com.

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.