Lead Engineer - Electric Drives Hardware

Erie, PA 16509In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, or related engineering field
  • 4+ years of experience with control hardware or power electronics
  • Ability to read schematics and interact with analog and digital I/O
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and debugging
  • Working knowledge of embedded software fundamentals (C/C++)

Responsibilities

  • Design and validate inverter control electronics for traction and auxiliary systems
  • Define hardware requirements for control electronics components
  • Support board-level and system-level hardware bring-up
  • Develop diagnostic tools and test scripts for lab automation
  • Plan and execute hardware verification and qualification testing.
  • Lead failure analysis and root-cause investigations for production issues
  • Create and maintain technical documentation across projects

Benefits

  • Health and welfare benefits
  • Retirement plans
  • Additional training opportunities for job responsibilities
  • Flexible work adjustments (as implied by cross-location teamwork)
Full Job Description
Job Description

Who will you be working with?

You will be part of a global engineering team specializing in Drives Control and Power Electronics for locomotives and off highway vehicles products, supporting critical traction, auxiliary, and energy conversion products. The team is distributed across the United States, India (Bengaluru), and Brazil, and works closely with systems, hardware, software, validation, and manufacturing stakeholders.

The group includes senior technical experts and emerging engineers with deep experience in control software, power electronics hardware, system architecture, simulation (HIL/Opal-RT), and component validation The team operates in a highly collaborative manner, with frequent cross-location technical reviews, design discussions, and problem-solving sessions.

You will work closely with experienced engineers and technical leaders on business-critical programs, contributing to both new product development and sustaining/obsolescence initiatives, while adhering to strong engineering, safety, and compliance standards.

How will you make a difference?

The Lead Engineer will design, develop, and validate inverter control electronics for traction and auxiliary systems used in locomotives and off-highway vehicles. This role owns the control panel hardware from requirements through validation, working closely with firmware, software, power electronics, and systems teams to ensure reliable system performance. The position combines hands-on hardware development with embedded software awareness to support efficient bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting in both lab and field environments.

What will your typical day look like?
  • Own the design and requirements for inverter control panel electronics, including I/O, sensing, power supplies, isolation, communication, and protection for high-power traction and auxiliary systems.
  • Define hardware requirements for control electronics components (MCUs/FPGAs, gate drivers, ADC/DACs, sensors, connectors) and support board-level and system-level bring-up in collaboration with firmware and software teams.
  • Apply embedded software knowledge (C/C++) to support hardware bring-up, integration, and rapid debugging of hardware versus software issues.
  • Develop and maintain basic diagnostic tools and test scripts to support lab testing, automation, and validation activities.
  • Plan and execute hardware verification and qualification testing, including bring-up, bench testing, characterization, and EMC/EMI and environmental compliance.
  • Support system integration and troubleshooting of control hardware on locomotives and off-highway mining equipment.
  • Lead failure analysis and root-cause investigations for production and field issues, driving corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Perform reliability and safety analyses (e.g., FMEA, derating, thermal) and ensure appropriate diagnostics and protections are implemented.
  • Drive design-for-manufacture and design-for-test in collaboration with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, designs, test results, and review materials.
  • Coordinate across hardware, firmware, software, systems, and test teams to ensure end-to-end controller performance and compliance.
  • Provide technical leadership on assigned projects, supporting planning, risk management, and design reviews.


What do we want to know about you?
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, or related engineering field
  • 4+ years of experience with control hardware or power electronics (e.g., inverters, converters, motor drives)
  • Master's degree or experience with industrial/transportation electronics is a plus
  • Ability to read schematics and work with analog and digital I/O
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, debugging, and lab testing
  • Working knowledge of embedded software fundamentals (C/C++) and HW/SW interaction
  • Experience supporting system integration, testing, and troubleshooting
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills; experience with industrial or transportation electronics is a plus


You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $[redacted]0 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.

About Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec)

Wabtec Corporation is an American company formed by the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company and MotivePower Industries Corporation in 1999. It is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Wabtec manufactures products for locomotives, freight cars and passenger transit vehicles, and builds new locomotives up to 6,000 horsepower. The company merged with GE Transportation on February 25, 2019.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec) Careers

Join the dynamic team at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec), a global leader in rail technology and manufacturing. At Wabtec, we are committed to driving progress with cutting-edge solutions and are looking for talented individuals to propel our mission forward.

Explore Job Opportunities at Wabtec

Discover a world of innovation and opportunities at Wabtec. We offer a variety of job opportunities that allow professionals to contribute to transformative projects. Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, Wabtec has a position that will match your skills and help you grow.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Wabtec internship. Our internships provide hands-on experience in the rail industry, offering a unique insight into our day-to-day operations and projects. Interns at Wabtec work alongside industry experts, gaining invaluable skills and networking opportunities that serve as a foundation for a successful career.

Culture and Benefits

At Wabtec, we pride ourselves on a culture of innovation and leadership. We believe in fostering a workplace where diversity and creativity are celebrated. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to enhance their professional and personal lives, ensuring a balance that promotes long-term employment and satisfaction.

Professional Growth and Development

Career growth at Wabtec is not just a possibility—it is a priority. We are dedicated to the professional development of our team members through diverse training programs, leadership workshops, and continuous learning opportunities. At Wabtec, career advancement is supported by robust training and development programs that encourage innovation and leadership.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the rail industry? We are actively hiring and looking for motivated individuals who bring creativity, innovation, and a strong work ethic. Explore open positions on our Jobs page, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview that could launch your career at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec).

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Wabtec by subscribing to our careers blog. Receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly to your inbox, and stay informed about new employment opportunities and company news. At Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec), we are more than just a company; we are a community driven by innovation and committed to diversity and excellence. Join us and help shape the future of transportation.

Search Wabtec Jobs

Ready to advance your career at Wabtec? Search for current job openings that align with your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and driven team players. Join us in our journey to redefine the boundaries of rail technology and innovation.

Explore Careers at Wabtec

Whether you're seeking a path in engineering, management, or support, Wabtec offers career paths that align with your professional goals. Let your journey begin here, where your contributions will fuel global progress in the rail industry.
Learn more about Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec)
Size
25,000 employees
Market Cap
$18.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$414.4 million
5 Year Trend
+21.7%
Revenue
$7.5 billion
NASDAQ

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