Senior Controls Engineer

About the role

Wabtec's Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is seeking a Senior 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 Engineering Leadership, collaborate closely with Product Management, and gain exposure to customer testing and deployment. This is a hands-on technical role-designing, implementing, and validating advanced control solutions while influencing architecture and ensuring system-level performance and safety. Experience & Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of experience in locomotive onboard control systems. Working knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC) systems and safety-critical integration. Hands-on development of SIL4 or Vital Software Hands-on development experience with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) software. Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and code generation. Experience in Graphical User Interface (GUI) design using QT and C#. 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).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens for remote control of autonomous rail vehicles.
• Design and implement advanced control algorithms for onboard locomotive systems, including propulsion, braking, and energy optimization.
• Design and implement communication protocols for efficient exchange of data between the locomotive and back office.
• Translate functional requirements into software architecture through functional decomposition and interface definition.
• Collaborate with Engineering Leadership 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 software-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.
• 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).
• 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?

Benefits

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at Wabtec? Share your experience