Lead Systems Engineer - Thermal Management

Lead Systems Engineer - Thermal Management at Wabtec in Erie, PA, United States.

Responsibilities

Who will you be working with?

The Propulsion Systems Engineering team is responsible for the development and integration of thermal management solutions that support diesel-electric, battery-electric, hybrid locomotives, and off-highway vehicle applications. In this role, you will collaborate with propulsion, battery systems, engine systems, controls, structures, manufacturing, sourcing, service, and supplier teams to develop innovative and reliable thermal management solutions that meet customer and business requirements.

How will you make a difference?

As a Lead Engineer – Propulsion System Thermal Management, you will lead the design, development, validation, and production support of locomotive ventilation and battery thermal management systems. You will be responsible for defining system requirements, selecting and integrating components, performing engineering analysis, and supporting validation and field activities. Your work will directly impact product performance, reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across Wabtec's propulsion platforms.

• What will your typical day look like?
• Design and develop ventilation and battery thermal management systems for locomotive and off-highway vehicle applications.
• Define airflow, thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and packaging requirements for propulsion system thermal management equipment.
• Select and integrate components such as blowers, filters, ducting, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and thermal management units.
• Perform thermal, airflow, hydraulic, and mechanical analyses to support design decisions and system optimization.
• Develop and execute component and system-level validation plans, including laboratory and locomotive testing.
• Analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to support component development, qualification, and product launches.
• Support manufacturing, commissioning, field investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability and reduce cost.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in thermal management, HVAC, fluid systems, or similar applications.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and mechanical system design.
• Experience with CAD, engineering drawings, GD&T, DFMEA, and manufacturing-focused design practices.
• Familiarity with CFD, thermal analysis, and simulation tools.
• Experience with testing, validation, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• What about the physical demands of the job?
• Work is performed in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
• May require travel to manufacturing facilities, customer locations, and testing sites.
• Ability to work around industrial equipment and locomotives during testing, validation, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
• 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.
• 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).

Benefits

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $62100-85300 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.

About the Company

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.