Principal Engineer - Controls Design
Company: Wabtec
Location: Erie
Posted on: February 13, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Job Description Summary: The
Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for
controls design 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 PE provides strategic technical
leadership, drives innovation, and fosters a culture of engineering
excellence and knowledge transfer. Experience & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or
another related field. Master’s degree preferred. 15 years of
experience in applied controls engineering Demonstrated leadership,
mentoring, and communication skills. Proven subject matter expert
in diesel engine control systems and embedded software
architecture. Skilled in system requirements definition, design
reviews, and validation processes. Experience in emissions and fuel
efficiency testing for diesel engines. Familiarity with Model-Based
Systems Engineering and Design for Six Sigma principles. Experience
in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development
(preferred) Applied practice in emissions and fuel efficiency
optimization (preferred). Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink
Responsibilities: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical,
operational, and financial risk throughout project lifecycles.
Provide clear, data-driven guidance to ensure robust
decision-making and risk reduction. Research, design, and develop
advanced control solutions that enhance product performance and
competitive differentiation. Drive technology advancements in
engine control systems, including hybridization, alternative fuels,
and predictive diagnostics. Plan and chair formal design reviews to
validate solutions, enforce quality standards, 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. Lead control system development projects
with a focus on diesel engine controls. Guide architecture design
and embedded software development for engine control systems.
Ensure seamless integration of engine controls with locomotive
systems (traction, braking, power electronics, etc.) Develop and
validate dynamic models to optimize control strategies and system
performance. Support certification and homologation for global
deployment. Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and
strategic planning. You may also be asked to perform other duties
outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will
be provided if necessary. 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). LI-LV1 Additional Information Our job titles may span
more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is
currently $102500-146000 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.
Keywords: Wabtec, Niagara Falls , Principal Engineer - Controls Design, Engineering , Erie, New York