Senior Controls Engineer - San Antonio, Texas

Work on the 1-million sq. ft.  factory is now under way on the 400-acre site. It will be the company’s second largest plant, rivalled only by JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, England, and create 1,500 new jobs over five years. The factory will make Loadall telescopic handlers and aerial access equipment, with production scheduled to start in 2026. The factory will also have the capacity to expand and build other products in the future.   Company Profile 80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 23 plants spanning four continents—and countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil—JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products, including telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.   JCB people are at the heart of our business, and as a family-owned business, we answer to our customers, not a group of shareholders. That freedom allows us to concentrate on developing the latest technologies and incorporating them into our equipment. We focus on what our customers need on the jobsite – a machine that holds up in the toughest environment and increases their productivity.   At JCB, we stand behind our products – and our name.   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   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.   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.   Preferred Qualifications Experience with NX and Teamcenter. Professional Engineer (PE) designation or equivalent is beneficial.   Knowledge, Skills & 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   Location & Transition Timeline Primary location (2026–Q1 2027): JCB World Headquarters, Rocester, UK Permanent relocation (Q1 2027 onward): JCB San Antonio, Texas, USA International travel required to support global engineering and manufacturing activities.   Job Conditions Both office environment and occasionally 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: Sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.   JCB is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.   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.