Advanced Lead Engineer - Electric Drive Train Controls
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!
Role Summary/Purpose
Develop sub-system requirement specification for a family of Diesel Electric and Battery Electric Locomotives. Our diesel electric, battery electric and hybrid diesel-battery locomotive products are everyday workhorses with disruptive innovations for railroad applications that build on our long history of locomotive technology development. The Traction and Auxiliary power subsystem engineering team interprets system level functional specifications and translates them into specific requirements that enable integration of the electric drive train hardware (engine/alternator, battery, inverter, motor and charging system) to maximize performance.
The Traction control system manages the power flow from the primary source (propulsion batteries, diesel engine, 3rd rail/catenary/below deck charge) through the electrical system (filters, alternator, rectifier, inverters) and regulates the torque production from the motors to propel the locomotive and provide electric braking / battery charging. The Auxiliary control system manages the power flow from the primary source to drive cooling systems, air compressor and control system battery charger. The Traction/Auxiliary control system also interfaces the vehicle to the off-vehicle wayside charging power and controls charging of the propulsion batteries.
Essential Responsibilities
The Traction & Auxiliary Controls Engineer will execute detailed control system design to meet business goals and program commitments using standard design processes.
The Traction & Auxiliary Controls Engineer will focus on the hardware integration for diesel electric, battery electric and hybrid diesel-battery locomotives. Support the evaluation and conceptualization of new control technology applications, own new control function development, execute design validation/testing for product enhancements and NPI programs.
Integrate control system modules with component hardware (propulsion batteries, DC/AC inverters, AC/AC convertors, motors, alternators, rectifiers) and other sub-systems (diesel engine, engine cooling, engine control, compressed air, ventilation) to meet performance, application, and platform functional requirements.
The Design Engineer (DE) will utilize subsystem domain expertise and design experience to solve control system problems by developing and implementing design changes in line with short-term and long-term business goals.
In this role, DE will execute control system design and development for locomotive Traction & Auxiliary features including function definition, requirements derivation, dynamic analysis, failure modes analysis, design trade-offs, implementation, and validation.
Perform control design validation utilizing desktop simulation/modelling test tools, integrated model/software testing using virtual simulators, integrated model/software/electronics hardware testing using full operability HITL (hardware in the loop) simulators, locomotive validation testing, customer acceptance testing, and field in-service testing.
Partner with other subsystems/systems and function in defect investigation, root-cause identification, and resolution of control system reliability issues.
Collaborate with Lead and Senior Traction & Auxiliary Control Engineers, systems engineering, program management, commercial teams, simulation, software, and hardware teams in the application of advanced controls techniques/methods/tools to meet emerging requirements.
Execute the design, analysis, or evaluation of assigned projects using sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program requirements.
Engage with broad range of existing product and technical experts to learn fundamentals of designs, use of tools and process to quickly build expertise.
Document technical data generated by the assigned project consistent with engineering policies and procedures. Provide timely communications on significant issues or developments.
Participate on teams assigned to address organizational initiatives and generic issues. Participate as a presenter or reviewer in technical and program reviews.
Qualifications / Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Power electronics Engineering discipline
Demonstrated project experience in control engineering developments.
Willing/able to support execution of hardware in the loop (HiTL) simulations and on-locomotive testing & validation.
Ability and willingness to travel as required.
Desired Characteristics
Experience with DOORS or similar requirements definition methods/tools and control model auto-coding for high speed, closed-loop real-time control.
Experience with system level validation testing
Experience with transportation/locomotive auxiliary or traction equipment, systems, control, diagnostics, electric vehicle/hybrid power applications, design, or test
Firsthand/Working knowledge of rotating electric machines (alternators or motors), rectifiers/inverters/convertors, power electronics, electric vehicle/hybrid propulsion battery technology.
Working knowledge of Matlab/Simulink
Experience with battery system energy management for optimization of propulsion/auxiliary trade-offs
Experience with requirements, capabilities, and interfaces of off-vehicle DC and/or AC power systems for vehicle battery charging.
Strong technical aptitude, including applicable engineering tools and systems.
Solid oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and leadership skills
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.
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.