Mechanical Engineer

Wabtec Corporation; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 79,100 - 112,800; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec Corporation in Salem, VA is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead end-to-end product development from concept to production. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and transform concepts into manufacturable SolidWorks designs for high-performance applications.

The role demands 8+ years in mechanical design, strong GD&T and DFM/DFA knowledge, and proven project ownership. On-site with competitive benefits and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree required.
• 8+ years in mechanical design and product development.
• 8+ years using 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
• Proven project ownership from concept to production.
• Strong GD&T, tolerancing, materials, and manufacturing knowledge.
• DFM/DFA principles and manufacturability focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end new product development projects, delivering on time and on budget.
• Define project objectives aligned with technical and business needs.
• Develop and manage plans, timelines, and resources.
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams.
• Identify challenges and implement creative, effective solutions.
• Create robust, manufacturable designs for demanding environments.
• Translate concepts into solid engineering with SolidWorks and 2D drafting.
• Ensure designs meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements.
• Continuously seek improvements in performance, cost, and reliability.
• Plan and execute engineering validation tests and analyze results.
• Document test plans and outcomes clearly.
• Define production test requirements and resolve issues quickly.
• Research qualified suppliers to support innovation.
• Incorporate customer feedback into product enhancements.
• Apply Lean principles to streamline design-to-production flow.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Project ownership

Time management

Communication & collaboration

Ownership mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

2D drafting

Job description

Who will you be working with? You will collaborate with an engaged group of Wabtec team members across all levels, partnering most closely with our Design Engineering team.

Job Description You will collaborate with an engaged group of Wabtec team members across all levels, partnering most closely with our Design Engineering team.

How will you make a difference? You will create value by leading product initiatives from concept to production, solving complex design challenges and delivering high-quality engineered products.

What do we want to know about you?

• Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)?
• Do you have strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills?
• Have you demonstrated leadership and project ownership in previous endeavors?
• Are you able to manage your time effectively?
• Do you have strong communication and collaboration abilities?
• Are you self-motivated with a strong ownership mindset?
• Do you have 8+ years’ experience in mechanical design and product development?
• Do you have 8+ years’ experience using 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred)?
• Do you have a proven track record of successfully managing projects from concept through production?
• Do you have a strong understanding of: GD&T and tolerancing analysis, materials and manufacturing processes, and DFM/DFA principles?
• Do you have a passion for high-performance engineered products?

What will your typical day look like?

• Lead end-to-end new product development projects, delivering results on time and within budget
• Define clear project objectives aligned with technical and business requirements
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and resources
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams
• Proactively identify challenges and implement creative, effective solutions
• Create innovative, manufacturable designs for components in demanding environments
• Transform concepts into robust engineering solutions using SolidWorks and 2D drafting tools
• Ensure designs meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements
• Continuously seek improvements in performance, cost, and reliability
• Design and execute engineering validation tests for performance, durability, and compliance
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements
• Document test plans and outcomes clearly and accurately
• Define production test requirements and resolve design issues efficiently
• Research and select qualified suppliers to support innovation and product needs
• Incorporate customer and operational feedback into product enhancements
• Apply Lean principles to eliminate waste and improve design-to-production flow
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and product literature
• Clearly communicate design intent, risks, and progress to stakeholders

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

This is not a remote role.

Additional Information Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $79100-112800 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.