Principal, Validation Operations and Strategic Initiatives

Wabtec; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec seeks a Principal, Validation Operations and Strategic Initiatives to drive operational excellence through data-driven decisions and cross-functional leadership. You will shape KPI frameworks, lead AI and automation roadmaps, and oversee CAPA processes to improve quality and delivery performance.

With a bachelor’s in a technical field and 7+ years of leadership experience, you will influence teams, optimize resources, and implement digital transformations across validation programs,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical discipline as listed.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in engineering operations, product verification/validation, quality, or related fields.
• Proven track record of delivering technical improvements and efficiency gains.
• Strong project management and organizational skills in fast-paced environments.
• Analytical, data-driven approach to strategic and operational decisions.
• Ability to influence teams and drive consensus across functions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for executive-level stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of modern engineering methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Experience leading change, digital transformation, or automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage operational metrics, KPIs, and dashboards for visibility into quality, productivity, and schedule performance.
• Provide timely, accurate performance insights to leadership to inform decisions.
• Lead strategy, roadmap, and implementation of AI, automation, and digital transformation across Product Verification.
• Use data analytics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement in efficiency and scalability.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to boost productivity and reduce manual effort.
• Drive standardized workflows, governance, and performance standards across the team.
• Facilitate CAPA processes with root-cause analysis and timely closures.
• Collaborate with functional leaders on resource allocation and capacity planning.
• Deliver data-driven analyses to support short- and long-term objectives.
• Represent Product Verification in governance forums and leadership updates.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and an innovative culture aligned with company values.

Skills

Leadership

Data analytics

Project management

Communication skills

Engineering processes

Digital transformation

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, data analytics, business administration, operations management, or related

Job description

Principal, Validation Operations and Strategic Initiatives

• Full-time
• Job Family: Test Engineering

Who will you be working with?

You will join Wabtec’s TP&A Product Verification team, a cross-functional organization focused on verification and validation excellence. You will partner with engineering, quality, program management, and functional leaders to strengthen operational performance, improve delivery predictability, and advance digital transformation across validation programs.

How will you make a difference?

As the Principal, Validation Operations and Strategic Initiatives, you will drive operational excellence through data-driven decision-making, process optimization, resource management, and continuous improvement. You will establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), lead AI and automation transformation roadmaps, facilitate Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes, and oversee resource demand and capacity planning. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Product Verification, you will provide timely, actionable insights that support strategic decisions and improve quality, productivity, scalability, and schedule performance. Your leadership will help create a more predictable, efficient, and innovative verification and validation organization.

What do we want to know about you?

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data analytics, business administration, operations management, or a related technical discipline.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in engineering operations, product verification and validation, quality, program management, engineering process improvement, or a related technical environment.
• Proven record of delivering technical improvements, efficiency gains, and impactful engineering contributions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience using data to influence strategic and operational decisions.
• Ability to influence teams, guide technical decision-making, and build consensus across functions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics clearly to customers and executive-level stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of modern engineering methodologies, processes, and toolsets.
• Experience leading change, continuous improvement, digital transformation, or automation initiatives in a technical organization.

What will your typical day look like?

• Develop and manage operational metrics, KPIs, and dashboards that provide visibility into organizational effectiveness, quality, productivity, schedule performance, and resource utilization.
• Provide timely, accurate, and actionable performance insights to leadership to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead the strategy, roadmap, scheduling, coordination, and implementation of AI, automation, and digital transformation initiatives across Product Verification.
• Use data analytics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, scalability, and predictability.
• Evaluate and deploy emerging technologies that enhance productivity, reduce manual effort, and accelerate validation activities.
• Drive process optimization through standardized workflows, operating procedures, governance frameworks, and performance standards.
• Facilitate and manage CAPA processes, including effective root cause analysis, timely closure, and prevention of recurring issues.
• Partner with functional leaders to optimize resource allocation, capacity planning, and prioritization of program commitments.
• Deliver data-driven analyses and recommendations that support short-term objectives and long-term strategies for delivery, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Support the development and execution of organizational strategies aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.
• Represent Product Verification in cross-functional reviews, governance forums, and leadership updates.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation consistent with Wabtec’s Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors.

What results will you help deliver?

• Improved KPI visibility and management.
• Increased resource utilization and forecast accuracy.
• Reduced operational inefficiencies and cycle times.
• Successful deployment of AI and automation initiatives.
• Effective CAPA management and improved quality performance.
• Enhanced predictability, productivity, and delivery performance across verification and validation programs.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $104800-149300 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.

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