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Principal Application Engineer

Wabtec

Wabtec

Railway Vehicles

Chicago, IL - USA

Senior Specialist / Project Manager

Experteer Overview

As Principal Application Engineer you define, architect and validate complex railroad solutions within Wabtec’s Digital Intelligence portfolio. You bridge railroad operations and software teams to translate customer needs into architectures and roadmaps, with a focus on autonomous train operations and automated yard management. You will influence design decisions, drive simulations and field validation, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, delivering safe, efficient, and reliable outcomes.

Compensation / Benefits

  • health benefits
  • welfare programs
  • retirement plans
  • annual bonus (if eligible)
  • opportunities for global travel
  • employee benefits information at mywabtecbenefits.com

Responsibilities

  • Elicit solution requirements from customer RFIs/RFPs and translate into functional software specs
  • Convert Train Handling Dynamics into software requirements for Autonomous Train Operation algorithms
  • Optimize engine calibration and energy management for efficient, compliant operation
  • Define technical parameters for automated systems to manage in-train forces and braking
  • Document edge-case physics for safe-stop protocols
  • Lead simulation environment development to test train handling across rail networks
  • Lead on-site testing and ride-alongs to validate autonomous handling in real operations
  • Ensure automated logic complies with ABTH rules, GCOR/NORAC standards, and FRA metrics
  • Serve as translator between locomotive engineers and software developers
  • Contribute to solution concept architecture aligned with customer requests
  • Provide technical leadership for issue resolution across streams
  • Identify design/implementation risks and mitigation strategies
  • Collaborate with senior management on culture and speed initiatives
  • Protect and develop Wabtec intellectual property
  • Support pre-contract responses and RFP/RFI workstreams
  • Partner with test engineers for solution-level test plans and field validation
  • Coordinate with product teams for field testing and monitoring at customer sites

Key requirements

  • 15+ years of progressive railroad operations, locomotive manufacturing, or rail automation experience
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex technical solutions in customer-facing environments
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills
  • Experience in systems engineering, requirements management, and solution integration
  • Ability to influence and lead across cross-functional organizations
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
  • Knowledge of railroad operations and train handling (preferred)
  • Familiarity with IBM ELM, DOORS, or DOORS Next (preferred)
  • Technical understanding of the Digital Intelligence Product Portfolio (preferred)
Strong communication and technical translation between engineers and customersCross-functional collaboration and leadershipAnalytical problem-solving and structured thinkingAutonomous Train Operation (ATO) conceptsTrain handling dynamics (slack, buff/draft, braking)Simulation and validation techniques

Description

As Principal Application Engineer you define, architect and validate complex railroad solutions within Wabtec’s Digital Intelligence portfol…
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