Principal Engineer - Controls Design

Summary:

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for controls design across New Product Introduction (NPI) and requisition projects. This role ensures that all solutions are safe, reliable, and compliant with customer requirements, as well as industry standards. The PE provides strategic technical leadership, drives innovation, and fosters a culture of engineering excellence and knowledge transfer.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or another related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in applied controls engineering
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• Proven subject matter expert in diesel engine control systems and embedded software architecture.  
• Skilled in system requirements definition, design reviews, and validation processes.  
• Experience in emissions and fuel efficiency testing for diesel engines.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering and Design for Six Sigma principles.
• Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred)
• Applied practice in emissions and fuel efficiency optimization (preferred).
• Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink

Responsibilities:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, operational, and financial risk throughout project lifecycles.
• Provide clear, data-driven guidance to ensure robust decision-making and risk reduction.
• Research, design, and develop advanced control solutions that enhance product performance and competitive differentiation.
• Drive technology advancements in engine control systems, including hybridization, alternative fuels, and predictive diagnostics.
• Plan and chair formal design reviews to validate solutions, enforce quality standards, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversee root cause analysis and corrective actions for critical customer issues.
• Train and mentor engineers, publish technical guidelines, and promote best practices.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and research institutions.
• Lead control system development projects with a focus on diesel engine controls.
• Guide architecture design and embedded software development for engine control systems.
• Ensure seamless integration of engine controls with locomotive systems (traction, braking, power electronics, etc.)
• Develop and validate dynamic models to optimize control strategies and system performance.
• Support certification and homologation for global deployment.
• Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and strategic planning.

You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

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Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $102500-146000 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

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