Engineering Technical Leader – Electric Drives Controls

Job Description

It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us. 

Who are we?  

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems. 

Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers’ potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world. We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 27K employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit our website to learn more! 

Position Summary

The Engineering Technical Leader will lead the architecture, development, validation, and lifecycle management of control systems for Auxiliary AC-AC Converters, Auxiliary Inverters, Auxiliary Load Controllers (ALC), Battery Charging Systems, and Traction Motor Controllers (TMC) used in locomotive and transportation applications.

This role requires strong expertise in Power Electronics, Electric Drives, and Model-Based Design using MATLAB/Simulink. The successful candidate will drive advanced control development, controller modernization initiatives, embedded software integration, and platform migration activities while providing technical leadership across global engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of control algorithms and software architectures for Auxiliary Converter, Auxiliary Inverter, ALC, Battery Charger, and Traction Motor Control systems.

• Develop and validate advanced control functions including voltage/current regulation, DC-link control, PWM generation, vector control, traction control, dynamic braking, protection, diagnostics, and fault management.

• Drive Model-Based Design activities using MATLAB/Simulink, including simulation, verification, validation, and auto-code generation.

• Provide technical leadership for embedded software development and integration, including C/C++ implementation and optimization.

• Lead controller obsolescence management and technology refresh initiatives for existing control platforms.

• Execute migration of legacy controller applications to next-generation AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ (ZU3) platforms and QNX RTOS-based architectures.

• Lead system integration, SIL, PIL, HIL, laboratory, locomotive, and field validation activities.

• Investigate field issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions to improve product reliability and performance.

• Define technical roadmaps, architecture strategies, and future control solutions for locomotive propulsion and auxiliary power systems.

• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across cross-functional and global teams.

• Collaborate with Systems, Hardware, Software, Validation, Manufacturing, Service, and Product Management teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Control Systems, or related discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in electric drives, power electronics, converter controls, inverter controls, or traction control systems.

• Strong expertise in MATLAB/Simulink Model-Based Design.

• Experience developing control algorithms for power converters, inverters, electric drives, and motor control applications.

• Working knowledge of embedded software development and C/C++ programming.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Power Electronics

  • Electric Machines and Drives

  • Auxiliary Power Systems

  • Traction Motor Controls

  • Digital Control Systems

  • Protection and Diagnostic Functions

• Experience with SIL, PIL, HIL, and system-level validation methodologies.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Control Systems, or Electric Drives.

• Experience with locomotive propulsion and auxiliary power systems.

• Experience with controller modernization and platform migration projects.

• Hands-on experience with QNX RTOS and AMD/Xilinx Zynq-based controller platforms.

• Familiarity with dSPACE, OPAL-RT, RTDS, PLECS, or similar simulation and HIL tools.

• Knowledge of transportation communication protocols such as Arcnet, Ethernet.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs and mentor engineering teams.

Leadership Expectations

• Act as the technical authority for Auxiliary Converter, Auxiliary Inverter, ALC, and Traction Motor Control development.

• Drive technical excellence, innovation, and product quality across programs.

• Lead architecture reviews, technical decision-making, risk mitigation, and project execution.

• Build organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:  

Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.    

To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives and recognize that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.  

We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

Additional Information

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.