Lead Engineer - Propulsion

Wabtec Corporation; Erie, Northern (Erie County, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health/welfare/retirement benefits

Annual bonus eligibility

Job summary

Wabtec Corporation in Erie, PA, is seeking a Lead Engineer to advance materials research and develop technologies for transportation applications.

You will work in a cross-functional team applying engineering principles, conducting lab testing, and delivering technical reports, specifications, and product improvements.

The role requires an advanced degree, experience with MATLAB/Ansys/SolidWorks/AutoCAD, strong communication, and willingness to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a related engineering field.
• Experience in materials development, testing, characterization, product development, or manufacturing support.
• Proficiency with engineering tools such as MATLAB, Ansys, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory, testing, or development activities to evaluate materials and systems.
• Support projects involving materials, manufacturing processes, and product development across cross-functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, presentations, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, suppliers, customers, and partners to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical writing

Project execution

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Ansys

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description

Our best-in-class Propulsion team has deep domain expertise in rotating electric machines for transportation application. Here you’ll interact with various internal and external customers to transform the transportation industry. Our global Propulsion team consists of electrical and mechanical engineers that work together to address real word challenges and come up with innovative solutions.

Who will you be working with?

As a Lead Engineer, you will contribute to the development, evaluation, and implementation of innovative technologies that support Wabtec's products and business objectives. Working as part of a cross-functional team, you will apply engineering principles to solve technical challenges, support product and process improvements, and drive innovation across a variety of applications. This role provides opportunities to contribute to research and development efforts, new product introductions, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping advance the future of transportation technology.

What do we want to know about you?

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience in materials development, testing, characterization, product development, research, or manufacturing support.
• Knowledge of engineering laboratory practices, experimental methods, data analysis, and problem-solving techniques.
• Experience with engineering and analytical tools such as MATLAB, Ansys, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software.
• Strong communication, collaboration, technical documentation, and project execution skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering environments.

What will your typical day look like?

• Design and execute laboratory, testing, or development activities to evaluate materials, components, and systems.
• Support projects involving materials, manufacturing processes, and product development while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet technical and business objectives.
• Perform testing, analysis, and data interpretation to support engineering decisions and product improvements.
• Develop technical reports, specifications, presentations, and engineering documentation.
• Support product development, manufacturing, quality, and reliability initiatives through technical analysis and problem solving.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, suppliers, customers, and external partners to evaluate technologies and drive continuous improvement.
• Utilize engineering tools and sound technical judgment to assess performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Participate in technical reviews and communicate project status, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support innovation and technology initiatives that advance products, processes, and future business opportunities.

What about the physical demands of the job?

• Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and office environments.
• Ability to conduct hands‑on testing and evaluation of materials and electrical systems.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing computer‑based analysis and documentation.
• Occasional travel to support project activities, customer engagements, supplier visits, or technical collaborations.

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.

More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com

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).

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $62100-85300 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.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.