Motivepower, Inc

Senior Controls Engineer

Motivepower, Inc$104K — $149K *
Erie, PA 16509In-Person
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with a controls focus.
  • Proficiency in model-based control system design using MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
  • Experience with feedback control systems and dynamic system modeling.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and implementation of train control algorithms and systems functionality.
  • Develop, validate, and test control system solutions using MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Coordinate team technical activities to prioritize and resolve field issues and develop new features.
  • Analyze performance data and implement corrective actions for reported issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver practical engineering solutions.
  • Mentor and guide engineers through design reviews and knowledge sharing.
  • Contribute to the long-term roadmap for train control capabilities.

Benefits

  • Health and welfare benefits available.
  • Retirement plans offered.
  • Eligibility for an annual bonus based on terms.
  • Training provided for tasks outside of primary functions.
Full Job Description
As the Senior Controls Design Engineer, you will serveas the lead technical contributor within a controls engineering team responsible for the Trip Optimizer Energy Management/Cruise Control system for heavy haul freight locomotives. The role combines hands-on controls development with technical leadership in prioritizing and executing work across product enhancements, field support, and long-term product evolution. What do we want to know about you? • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other engineering discipline with a controls or dynamic systems focus • Demonstrated proficiency in model-based control system design and development using MATLAB/Simulink • Minimum 8 years of engineering experience • Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% of the time Desired Characteristics • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Experience with feedback control systems, dynamic system modeling, or estimation techniques. • Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical activities, establish priorities, and balance field support, product enhancements, and long-term engineering objectives. • Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership through collaboration, design reviews, and knowledge sharing. • Experience investigating field issues, performing root-cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. • Experience analyzing operational, test, or field data to evaluate control system performance and identify improvement opportunities. • Familiarity with locomotive systems, train operations, vehicle dynamics, or rail transportation systems. • Master's degree or advanced study in controls, robotics, autonomous systems, estimation, optimization, or dynamic system modeling. What will your typical day look like? • Lead the design of train control algorithms and system functionality, including control strategies, estimation methods, performance analysis, and technical specifications for freight train cruise control and train handling applications. • Develop, implement, and validate control system solutions using MATLAB/Simulink and related engineering tools, supporting simulation, validation, testing, and release of control system functionality. • Coordinate technical activities within a team of controls engineers, helping establish priorities, remove obstacles, and maintain steady progress across field issue resolution, new feature development, and long-term product evolution. • Analyze field performance data, investigate reported issues, determine root causes, and drive effective corrective actions. • Collaborate with systems, software, and product teams to deliver robust and practical solutions. • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers through design reviews, collaborative problem solving, and knowledge sharing. • Contribute to the long-term technical roadmap for train control capabilities and continuous product improvement. What about the physical demands of the job? • Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% of the time to the Railroad yards and field • You can expect to lift < 10 lbs on occasion • Ability to get on and off of a locomotive • Handle tools, plug in cables, and operate a Portable Test Unit (PTU) • Very rarely, but on occasion, you may be asked to work 12-hour or longer shifts, often overnight You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary. #LI-AM1 Qualifications Additional Information Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $[redacted]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 annual bonus, if eligible.

About Motivepower, Inc

MotivePower, Inc. is an American manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wabtec, and traces its history back to the MK Rail division of Morrison-Knudsen.
Learn more about Motivepower, Inc
Industry
Founded
1999

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