Lead Systems Engineer - Thermal Management

Job description

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 do we want to know about you? 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 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. 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). #LI-PROMOTEDJOBS