Senior Systems Engineer

Wabtec; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 121,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead architecture and strategy for its Train Handling portfolio. You will influence engineering, product management and customer teams while shaping AI-driven engineering practices to deliver impactful rail solutions.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, complex system design, and collaboration across global teams to improve safety, efficiency and product value for freight and transit rail customers.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ hands-on design, requirements development and implementation in Engineering Systems, Hardware/Software, or Data Information Systems.
• Experience across cross-functional, global environments.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the architecture, strategy and evolution of Wabtec's Train Handling solutions.
• Lead development of complex system architectures, requirements and design solutions balancing performance, safety, reliability, maintainability and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the technical authority for major programs and initiatives across the product lifecycle.
• Partner with Product Management, Software Engineering, Train Control, Office Systems, Safety, Validation and Applications Engineering teams to define technical direction.
• Lead technical reviews, design reviews, trade studies, and system-level verification and validation activities.
• Drive resolution of complex system and product issues using data-driven analysis and cross-functional problem-solving.
• Collaborate with railroad executives, customers, industry stakeholders, and SMEs to understand operational challenges and influence product strategy.
• Guide field testing, operational demonstrations, and customer deployments to validate performance and adoption of new capabilities.
• Identify, evaluate and champion emerging technologies and AI-enabled capabilities to improve customer value.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices and processes while mentoring systems engineers.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Strong oral and written communication

Cross-functional, global environment

Willingness to travel domestically and

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science

Job description

Who will you be working with?

Wabtec's Train Handling solutions include

• Trip Optimizer®
• Locotrol®

which work together to optimize train performance and automate freight operations. Trip Optimizer creates and executes fuel-efficient operating plans that meet schedule and train-handling requirements, while Locotrol enables coordinated control of distributed locomotives throughout the train. Together, these technologies improve train handling, fuel efficiency, operational safety, and the ability to operate longer and heavier trains.

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader across engineering, product management, program leadership, and customer organizations, influencing the future direction of train automation and optimization technologies across the rail industry.

How will you make a difference?

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for the architecture, strategy, development, and deployment of Wabtec's Train Handling portfolio. You will drive complex system design decisions, guide technology roadmaps, lead cross-functional initiatives, and ensure solutions meet customer, business, safety, and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will bring an AI-native mindset and champion the adoption of AI-enabled engineering practices across the organization.

You will identify and mature opportunities for intelligent automation, advanced analytics, optimization, and next-generation autonomous train operations.

As a recognized technical authority, you will establish engineering standards, mentor other engineers, and help shape the strategic application of AI to create differentiated products and measurable customer value.

What do we want to know about you?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of 10 years’ hands-on design, requirements development and implementation experience involving; Engineering Systems, Hardware / Software Engineering, and/or Data Information Systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a cross-functional, global environment
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally

What will your typical day look like?

Provide technical leadership for the architecture, strategy, and evolution of Wabtec's Train Handling solutions, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps, customer needs, and business objectives.

Lead the development of complex system architectures, requirements, and design solutions that balance performance, safety, reliability, maintainability, and operational efficiency.

Serve as the technical authority for major programs and initiatives, driving engineering decisions across the product lifecycle from concept development through deployment and sustainment.

Partner with Product Management, Software Engineering, Train Control, Office Systems, Safety, Validation, and Applications Engineering teams to define technical direction and successfully execute strategic product initiatives.

Lead technical reviews, design reviews, trade studies, and system-level verification and validation activities to ensure robust, high-quality solutions.

Drive resolution of complex system and product issues, utilizing data-driven analysis, root cause investigations, and cross-functional problem-solving methodologies.

Collaborate directly with railroad executives, customers, industry stakeholders, and subject matter experts to understand operational challenges, influence product strategy, and develop innovative solutions.

Guide field testing, operational demonstrations, and customer deployments to validate performance and ensure successful adoption of new capabilities.

Identify, evaluate, and champion emerging technologies, advanced automation concepts, and next-generation train handling capabilities that improve customer value and competitive differentiation.

Establish engineering standards, best practices, and technical processes while mentoring and developing systems engineers across the organization.

Promote an AI-native engineering culture by driving the adoption of AI-enabled tools, advanced analytics, and intelligent automation throughout the product development lifecycle to improve engineering efficiency, product quality, and business outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience applying systems engineering principles across the full product lifecycle, including concept development, architecture, requirements management, system integration, verification, validation, deployment, and sustainment.
• Demonstrated success leading the technical development of complex, multi-disciplinary systems involving software, controls, automation, embedded systems, communications, or safety-critical applications.
• Deep knowledge of systems architecture, requirements decomposition, interface management, risk management, and system integration methodologies.
• Proven ability to influence product strategy, technology roadmaps, and engineering direction across multiple teams and programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to effectively engage customers, executives, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence through coaching, knowledge sharing, and engineering process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and apply AI-enabled technologies, advanced analytics, optimization techniques, and data-driven decision-making to solve complex engineering and operational challenges.
• Expertise in railroad operations, train control systems, distributed systems, automation technologies, or other transportation and safety-critical industries is highly desired.
• Working knowledge of AAR, CENELEC, FRA, and other applicable industry standards, regulations, and safety practices.
• 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 $120600-171700. 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 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.

Worker Sub Type: RegularJob Family: Systems Engineering