Principal Controls Engineer

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.

How will you make a difference?

Wabtec’s Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is seeking a Principal Controls Engineer to play a key role in developing onboard control systems for Autonomous Solutions. This position focuses on Trip Optimizer, Energy Management, Positive Train Control (PTC) integration, and automation technologies for next-generation rail solutions. You will work closely with the Principal Solution Architect, collaborate closely with Product Management, and gain exposure to customer testing and deployment for our first Pathfinder vehicle with a shortline operator. This is a hands-on technical role—designing, implementing, and validating advanced control solutions while influencing architecture and ensuring system-level performance and safety.

What do we want to know about you?

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in locomotive onboard control systems.
• Hands-on development experience with Trip Optimizer and Energy Management software.
• Working knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC) systems and safety-critical integration.
• Background in building automated operating technologies (ATO) and teleoperation technologies.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and code generation.
• Strong background in embedded software development (C/C++) and real-time control systems.
• Experience with system validation, including SIL/HIL environments and field testing.
• Familiarity with rail automation technologies, braking systems, and propulsion control (Preferred).
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Polarion) and configuration management (Preferred).
• Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., EN 50128, IEC 61508) and risk analysis methodologies (DFMEA, SFMEA).
• Exposure to AI-assisted control systems or perception-driven automation.

What will your typical day look like?

• Design and implement advanced control algorithms for onboard locomotive systems, including propulsion, braking, and energy optimization.
• Lead hands-on development of Trip Optimizer and Energy Management software, ensuring compliance with performance and safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink models for control logic, simulation, and code generation; ensure models meet real-time execution constraints.
• Translate functional requirements into software architecture through functional decomposition and interface definition.
• Collaborate with the Principal Engineering Leader and cross-functional teams to align control strategies with system-level architecture and safety requirements.
• Define and execute system validation plans, including SIL/HIL testing, bench integration, and customer field trials.
• Analyze fleet telemetry and operational data to validate performance, identify improvements, and close the loop on software quality.
• Author and maintain system-level documentation, including requirements specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and design descriptions.
• Perform system-level analysis for timing, safety, and performance trade-offs; ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a technical mentor for junior engineers, providing guidance on modeling, coding standards, and validation practices.
• Lead DFMEA sessions for onboard control functions; ensure risk mitigations are implemented and verified.
• Drive design reviews for control modules and subsystems; provide technical recommendations and ensure alignment with program goals.

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).

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary range for this role is between $102,500.00-$146,000.00

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 an annual bonus, if eligible.

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! http://www.WabtecCorp.com

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.