Extension Recruitment Ltd
Systems Design Engineer

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Location: Gateshead
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits
Extension Recruitment are delighted to be working exclusively with Komatsu UK Ltd to recruit a newly created Systems Design Engineer based at their Gateshead manufacturing and engineering facility.
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the world's leading construction equipment manufacturers and play a key role in the development of future low and zero-emission machinery. As the industry moves towards battery-electric and hydrogen-powered technologies, the Systems Engineer will help shape the next generation of Komatsu products.
About Komatsu
Komatsu is a global leader in construction, mining and industrial equipment. Established in the UK in 1985, Komatsu UK designs and manufactures hydraulic excavators for customers across Europe. The business is renowned for innovation, continuous improvement and investment in employee development.
Benefits include:
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Competitive pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Subsidised on-site canteen
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
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The Role of the Systems Design Engineer
The Systems Design Engineer will support the development and integration of battery-electric, hydrogen and alternative powertrain technologies into future machine platforms.
Working closely with engineering teams across Europe and Japan, as well as specialist external partners, the Systems Engineer will play a key role in product development projects from concept through to testing and validation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the development of electrification and carbon-neutral technologies
- Defining and integrating powertrain, control and electrical systems
- Supporting battery management, cooling and machine control systems
- Working with international engineering teams and external partners
- Supporting prototype development, testing and proof-of-concept projects
- Solving complex system integration challenges
- Contributing to future product strategy and innovation projects
About You – Systems Design Engineer
Applicants may come from a variety of backgrounds including Systems Engineering, Electrical Design Engineering, Powertrain Engineering, Controls Engineering, Vehicle Systems Engineering or Electrification Engineering.


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The successful Systems Design Engineer will have:
- A degree in Electrical, Systems, Mechatronics or a related Engineering discipline
- Significant experience within a complex engineering or product development environment
- Knowledge of powertrain systems, machine controls, controllers and electrical architectures
- Experience working with electrical systems, harnesses and system integration
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills
Experience with battery systems, hydrogen technologies, automotive, off-highway, rail, aerospace or defence products would be highly advantageous.
This Systems Engineer opportunity offers the chance to help shape the future of construction equipment while building a long-term career with a global engineering leader.
We’re committed to promoting inclusive opportunities. If you’re excited about this Systems Design Engineer role but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply — your unique perspective could be exactly what they’re looking for.
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