Operations Development Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 22, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 15, 2026. Wabtec scores B on the Alion truth index.
How will you make a difference?
The Operations Development Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI will be responsible for the transition of new products and processes from engineering design to the manufacturing and supply chain. This position will work closely with product engineering to define manufacturing requirements within the New Product Development. The Engineer will manage cross functional deliverables, develop schedules, track progress against these plans, and ensure new products are brought to market on time with expected quality and cost performance. This includes managing the project from early design through the launch of production. Will require exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills. The successful candidate will act as a liaison between functional groups and the Manufacturing & Supply Chain organization. The Engineer will actively participate in design reviews and help guide development through Design for Manufacturing.
What do we want to know about you?
Required Characteristics
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college in Engineering/Operations Management or Applied Science
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Manufacturing environment and product development
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally when needed to support Platform initiatives and global NPI’s
Desired Characteristics
- Prior project management experience
- Experience with 3D model/CAD software • Strong skills in print reading, wire schematic reading, and engineering specifications
- Experience with BOM (PLM) tools
- Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool(s). (i.e., Oracle, SAP)
- Strong data analysis skills. (i.e., Microsoft Excel tools, macros, etc.)
- Working knowledge of locomotive manufacturing: fabrication, coatings, assembly, electrical, and test procedures
- Understanding of finance and business drivers, able to communicate engineering changes and long-term plans
- Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to communicate across levels and within a complex matrix
- Strategic thinker that identifies and mitigates risk
- Innovative thinker, able to come with new ideas and willing to take risks to creatively solve issues
- Ability to manage complex multi-year technical programs in a matrix resource environment and multiple priorities under tight deadlines
What will your typical day look like?
- Participate in early-stage product development and communicate expectations and ensure the successful capture of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Test, Installation & Service requirements.
- Apply manufacturing, assembly, quality, sourcing, and service methods into new product designs. Work with engineering to integrate functional principles early in the design process.
- Conduct manufacturing readiness assessments. Review engineering designs to transition manufacturing and supply chain.
- Ability to develop schedules for new product releases, set milestones, assess & mitigate risks, develop action plans, coordinate activities and drive results within cross-functional teams
- Conduct regular project status meetings with team and relevant stakeholders to communicate and coordinate activities
- Deliver new products on-time, within budget, and at expected quality and reliability levels.
- Participate in initial build plans, drive material readiness with supply chain and evaluate constraints
- Act as the manufacturing liaison to Engineering team and Operations for resolving technical problems.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing to develop efficient methods for assembling product. Design or specify manufacturing equipment, tooling and processes as required.
- Coordinate factory acceptance test requirements and execution
- Provide a feedback loop to Engineering and Supply Chain to capture lessons learned from product rollouts and provide recommendations for future designs and processes.
- Identify and translate customer wants and needs into product features, offerings, and requirements and identify enabling technologies required to produce these product offerings.
- Define project requirements to meet program objectives, including investment (P&E), resource requirements, tollgate schedule, and budget
- Perform financial analysis including engineering expense, investment budgeting, and project benefits and internal rate of return.
- Manage execution of programs using NPI Tollgate process and DFSS rigor to ensure that all CTQ’s are satisfied and that new offerings are validated appropriately to mitigate risk before introduction
Who will you be working with?
This position will work closely with product engineering to define manufacturing requirements within the New Product Development.
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $79100-112800 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.