Manufacturing Engineer - San Antonio, Texas

Manufacturing 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.

80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 22 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 Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac 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 customer needs 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.

The Manufacturing Engineer will lead the specification, sourcing, and implementation of critical production equipment and infrastructure to support efficient, safe, and scalable operations. This role will involve working cross‑functionally with global JCB teams, suppliers, and local project stakeholders to deliver best‑in‑class manufacturing capabilities.

• Capital Equipment Procurement:
  • Specify, source, and procure major manufacturing systems including Andon systems, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), assembly tooling, lifting devices, and overhead cranes.
  • Manage RFQs, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, and technical evaluations.
• Factory Setup & Layout Design:
  • Collaborate on process flow design and detailed factory layout planning.
  • Ensure integration of equipment for optimal efficiency, safety, and throughput.
• Project Management:
  • Lead equipment projects from concept and justification through to installation, commissioning, and handover to operations.
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and supplier performance while mitigating risks.
• Process Engineering:
  • Support the development of assembly line processes, material handling solutions, and ergonomically sound workstations.
  • Through production trials work closely with design engineering, production, and maintenance to ensure new equipment meets operational requirements.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities to introduce advanced manufacturing technologies and automation solutions.
  • Drive lean principles, including visual management and process optimization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related).
• 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing engineering with a strong focus on capital equipment procurement and project delivery.

• Proven experience specifying and commissioning factory equipment such as AGVs, tooling, lift assistant devices, and cranes.
• Knowledge of process flow, factory layout design, and industrial safety standards.
• Strong project management skills with experience delivering large-scale equipment projects on time and budget.
• Excellent vendor management, negotiation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in heavy equipment, automotive, or related manufacturing industry is highly desirable.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office software
• Comfortable in an in‑person office environment
• Technical competence is a plus
• Must be customer service oriented, flexible, and have a high energy level
• Must have excellent follow‑through skills
• Must have a professional, polished, and sophisticated…