Lead Autonomous Rail Solutions Architect

Wabtec Corporation; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

The Principal Application Engineer at Wabtec Corporation leads the definition, architecture, and validation of complex railroad solutions within DI, bridging locomotive operations and software teams to deliver autonomous train operation capabilities. The role emphasizes translating customer needs into system requirements and roadmaps while addressing ABTH, GCOR/NORAC, and FRA standards.

It focuses on simulation, on-site testing, and collaboration with product teams to align with regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science from an accredited college or university (Master’s Degree preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive experience within railroad operations, locomotive manufacturing, or premier rail automation vendors.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical solutions in a customer-facing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills.
• Proven experience with systems engineering, requirements management, and solution integration.
• Proven ability to influence and lead across cross-functional organizations.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Knowledge of railroad operations, train handling and locomotive systems (preferred).
• Familiarity with tools such as IBM ELM, DOORS, or DOORS Next (preferred).
• Technical understanding of the Digital Intelligence Product Portfolio (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Review customer requirements, RFI, or RFP to elicit the solution level requirements.
• Translate Train Handling Dynamics into software requirements for Autonomous Train Operation (ATO) algorithms.
• Drive Engine Calibration to balance fuel efficiency with speed restriction compliance.
• Define technical parameters for automated systems to manage in-train forces.
• Document anomalies to develop automated safe-stop protocols.
• Lead development of the simulation environment for testing train handling capabilities.
• Lead on-site testing and ride-alongs to validate autonomous train handling safety.
• Ensure automated train handling complies with ABTH, GCOR/NORAC, and FRA metrics.
• Communicate between locomotive engineers and software developers.
• Develop solution concept and architecture aligned with customer requests.
• Support product teams in concept development and reviews, estimation, and scheduling.
• Provide technical responses to RFPs/RFIs during pre-contract phase.
• Partner with integration test engineers on test plans and procedures.
• Collaborate with product teams in field testing and monitoring at the customer site.
• Provide technical leadership for issue resolution across teams.
• Identify technical risks and mitigation strategies.
• Engage with senior management on culture and speed initiatives.
• Protect and develop Wabtec intellectual property.

Skills

Leadership experience

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Solution integration

Travel willingness

Railroad operations knowledge

IBM ELM/DOORS knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science (Master’s Degree preferred)

Tools

IBM ELM

DOORS

DOORS Next

Job description

The Principal Application Engineer at Wabtec Corporation leads the definition, architecture, and validation of complex railroad solutions within DI, bridging locomotive operations and software teams to deliver autonomous train operation capabilities. The role emphasizes translating customer needs into system requirements and roadmaps while addressing ABTH, GCOR/NORAC, and FRA standards.

It focuses on simulation, on-site testing, and collaboration with product teams to align with regulatory