Jelcz Creates 200 Jobs in Poland: Europe Jobs for Foreigners
Europe jobs for foreigners: Polish military truck maker Jelcz will create 200 jobs at a PLN 470m site in Racibórz, with staff expected to reach 500 in 2027.
EuropeIn brief
- State-owned truck maker Jelcz is investing about PLN 470 million in a plant in Racibórz, southern Poland, and has committed to 200 new jobs.
- The workforce is expected to reach around 500 in 2027, with about 80 to 100 people hired this year.
- The site will make components, assemble and paint military vehicles, including chassis for Poland's Narew air defence system.
- The project is part of PLN 386 million in government support for three PGZ companies.
| Country | Europe |
|---|---|
| Organization | Jelcz (Polish Armaments Group, PGZ) |
| Official source | Defence24 – PLN 1.3bn of investment and hundreds of jobs for PGZ companies ✓ defence24.pl |
Polish military truck maker Jelcz is creating at least 200 jobs at a new production site in Racibórz, southern Poland, Defence24 reported on 28 October 2026. The company is putting about PLN 470 million into the plant, and its chief executive expects the workforce to reach around 500 people in 2027. It is one of the bigger factory hiring stories in Central Europe this month for anyone tracking Europe jobs for foreigners and skilled trades.
The project
Jelcz is part of the state-owned Polish Armaments Group (PGZ). It is taking over halls at the former Rafako industrial site in Racibórz, a town in the Silesian region near the Czech border.
Three halls will be used for:
- component production,
- vehicle assembly, and
- painting.
Among the products will be chassis for Narew, Poland's short-range air defence system. The first 4 to 10 finished vehicles are due before the end of 2026.
The plant receives a 40% tax exemption through the Katowice Special Economic Zone. Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański announced the support as part of PLN 386 million for three PGZ firms (Jelcz, Rosomak and Bumar-Łabędy), backing about PLN 1.3 billion of investment.
Hiring timeline
| Period | Hiring |
|---|---|
| 2026 | About 80–100 people |
| Commitment under zone permit | At least 200 new jobs |
| 2027 (expected) | Workforce of about 500 |
Jelcz CEO Mariusz Ptak told local media that the first recruitment round in Racibórz went better than expected. Some staff are also moving over from Raciborska Fabryka Komponentów (RFK), a local components maker that Jelcz plans to merge with.
Likely roles
The company has not published a full list, but a vehicle assembly and paint plant typically needs:
- Welders and fitters
- Assembly line workers and mechanics
- Painters and surface treatment operators
- Quality controllers and production engineers
- Logistics and warehouse staff
A note for foreign applicants
Defence manufacturing can involve security vetting, and many shop-floor roles in Polish plants require at least basic Polish. The articles did not set out rules for non-Polish applicants, so check each advert. EU citizens can work in Poland freely; non-EU workers usually need a work permit arranged by the employer.
How to apply
Jelcz has not published a dedicated recruitment page for Racibórz. Its vacancies, including some in Racibórz, have appeared on Polish job sites. Check the company's official website and contact Jelcz directly to confirm any advert before you apply.
What it means for job seekers
- Trades are in demand. Certified welders and painters are among the hardest roles to fill in European vehicle plants.
- Learn some Polish. Even basic language skills widen your options.
- Watch the defence sector. Poland is expanding military production fast; Pratt & Whitney is also building a plant in Rzeszów.
- Spain is growing too. See Indra's new military vehicle plant in Galicia.
More openings: all Europe jobs
Frequently asked questions
How many jobs will Jelcz create in Racibórz?
At least 200 new jobs, with the total workforce expected to reach about 500 in 2027.
Where is the new Jelcz plant?
On the former Rafako industrial site in Racibórz, in the Silesian region of southern Poland.
Is Jelcz hiring now?
Yes. About 80 to 100 people are being hired in 2026, and the first round of recruitment went better than expected.
Can foreigners work at Jelcz?
Defence work may involve security checks and Polish language skills; foreign applicants should confirm requirements with the company.
Apply only through the official source.
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