Principal Engineer - Software Systems

Wabtec Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 104,800 - 149,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits

Retirement plans

Annual bonus (if eligible)

Job summary

A leading transportation technology company seeks a Principal Engineer to oversee software systems in new product introduction and requisition projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience, a strong educational background in software engineering, and proven leadership capabilities. Responsibilities include risk assessment, developing advanced solutions, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. The position offers a salary range of $104,800–149,300, along with additional benefits, including a potential annual bonus.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in software systems.
• Experience in safety critical software development.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering and Design for Six Sigma principles.

Responsibilities

• Identify and mitigate project risks.
• Develop advanced software solutions.
• Drive technology advancements in software architecture.

Skills

Embedded software architecture

Cloud-native software architecture

Leadership and mentoring

Communication skills

Algorithm design and optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Summary: The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems 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 Principal Engineer provides strategic technical leadership, drives innovation, and fosters a culture of engineering excellence and knowledge transfer.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or another related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in software systems.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• Proven subject matter expert in embedded OR Cloud‑Native software architecture, design and V&V.
• Skilled in system requirements definition, design reviews, and validation processes.
• Experience in safety critical software development.
• Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering, Design for Six Sigma principles and test automation.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and innovation.
• Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off‑highway product development (preferred).
• Applied practice in algorithm design and optimization (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, operational, schedule and financial risk throughout project lifecycles.
• Provide clear, data‑driven guidance to ensure robust decision‑making and risk reduction.
• Research, design, and develop advanced software solutions that enhance product performance and competitive differentiation.
• Drive technology advancements in software architecture and design, including embedded software architecture, containerization, cyber security, artificial intelligence and automation.
• Plan and chair formal design reviews to validate solutions, enforce quality standards, drive design rigor, 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.
• Guide architecture design and embedded software development for Wabtec products and solutions.
• Ensure seamless integration of products with broader Wabtec and industry system, including locomotive control systems, back offices and communication systems.
• Develop and validate architectures to optimize product capabilities and system performance.
• Support certification and homologation for global deployment.
• Contribute to long‑term technology roadmaps and strategic planning.
• Guide Test Planning, development, automation and results reviews to mitigate risk of quality escapes.

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

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this role is currently $104,800–149,300. Additional benefits include health, welfare, and retirement, available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings may include annual bonus, if eligible.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.