Manufacturing Engineer III

Wabtec Corporation; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec Bus Solutions in the United States is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer III to design, program, debug, and commission automated manufacturing systems with a focus on unmanned operation.

Responsibilities include defining CNC/manual machining processes, creating fixtures, leading automation projects, and optimizing cycle times while ensuring safe, cost‑effective production and robust data integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering.
• 5–8 years of hands‑on experience programming industrial robots and automation systems.
• Experience in Creo / SolidWorks with background in CAM processors.
• Machining tool selection and optimization for process.
• Strong experience with robot programming, PLC programming, and HMI development.
• Ability to independently lead automation projects in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Program, debug, and commission industrial robotic systems with emphasis on CNC machine tending.
• Define manufacturing processes through CNC and/or manual machining, and design/build/modify fixtures for safe, repeatable production.
• Create detailed functional and technical specifications for automation systems.
• Lead automation projects from concept through sustained production without direct supervision.
• Optimize automation cycle times, reliability, uptime, and error recovery logic.
• Integrate manufacturing equipment with digital systems such as data collection and monitoring tools.
• Provide training and troubleshooting support during launches and production.
• Research and propose Capital Acquisitions to drive cost reductions and safety/environmental improvements.
• Apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and issues.

Skills

Robot programming

PLC programming

HMI development

Creo

SolidWorks

CAM processing

Automation project leadership

Machining optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

You'll be joining Wabtec Bus Solutions, a team driving innovation in Transit Bus & Rail systems, including passenger door systems, wheelchair lifts & ramps, e-Bus charging systems, driver’s protective barriers, and more. We blend technical expertise with deep product knowledge to deliver high-impact solutions for our customers and communities.

How will you make a difference?

As a Manufacturing Engineer III within Wabtec Bus Solutions, you will perform a variety of manufacturing engineering assignments including programming, debugging, commissioning, and optimizing machining, robotics and automated manufacturing systems with primary objective of achieving reliable unmanned (lights-out) operation.

What do we want to know about you?

You may be a good fit if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering.
• 5–8 years of hands‑on experience programming industrial robots and automation systems.
• Experience in Creo / Solid Works with background in CAM processors
• Machining tool selection and optimization for process
• Strong experience with robot programming, PLC programming, and HMI development.
• Ability to independently lead automation projects in a manufacturing environment

What will your typical day look like?

• Program, debug, and commission industrial robotic systems with emphasis on CNC machine tending.
• Responsible for defining manufacturing process through CNC and/or manual machining, and for designing, building, modifying, and maintaining fixtures to support safe, repeatable, and cost‑effective production.
• Create detailed functional and technical specifications for automation systems.
• Lead automation projects from concept through sustained production without direct supervision.
• Optimize automation cycle times, reliability, uptime, and error recovery logic.
• Integrate manufacturing equipment with digital systems such as data collection and monitoring tools.
• Support operator and maintenance training related to automated systems.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support during launches and production,
• Research and propose Capital Acquisitions based on production requirements, driving manufacturing cost reductions, safety improvements, or environmental green initiatives.
• Apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential issues and while driving solutions.
• Continuing education / implementations on modern industry 4.0 manufacturing including; programming techniques, machining technology, machine and assembly automation, tooling design, MES system integration, interactive instructions, torque, quality tracking.

What about the physical demands of the job?

• Primarily office‑plant based work
• Use a computer for extended periods
• Occasionally lift/move up to 30pounds
• Stand, walk, and navigate facilities
• May be asked to travel (10%) to customers and manufacturing sites

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).

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $98200-127500. 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.