Power Electronics Engineering Manager

Location: Erie, PA, us

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

The Freight Equipment Power Electronics Engineering team leads the development and delivery of power system architectures for high‑power, heavy‑duty transportation platforms, including locomotives and mining vehicles. The team owns system‑level performance, functional behavior, and technology direction for power electronic solutions across the full product lifecycle.

As a group, the team defines technical requirements, drives power electronic device and topology selection, and partners closely with electrical packaging, electrical design, and systems engineering teams to develop and validate integrated, production‑ready products. Beyond initial design, the team plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing readiness, supplier engagement, field troubleshooting, and customer issue resolution.

How will you make a difference?

The Power Electronics Engineering Manager leads a global team responsible for the design, development, and validation of high‑power electronic systems for locomotive and mining vehicle applications. This role blends technical depth, people leadership, and operational excellence to deliver innovative, reliable, and cost‑effective power electronics solutions aligned with business and customer objectives.

As a senior leader within Propulsion Systems Engineering, the manager is accountable for driving execution across multiple programs, developing team capabilities, and contributing to long‑term technology and product strategies. The role works cross‑functionally with global engineering teams, systems engineering, program management, sourcing, supply chain, and operations to ensure on‑time delivery, quality, and cost targets are met. The Power Electronics Engineering Manager also serves as a trusted technical advisor to leadership, supporting strategic decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.

What will your typical day look like?

Technical & Engineering Leadership

• Provide technical and people leadership to a global Power Electronics Engineering team supporting locomotive and mining vehicle programs.

• Oversee development of power electronics subsystems, including:

  • Traction and auxiliary three‑phase inverters

  • Choppers and diode rectifiers

  • Contactors and circuit breakers

  • Three‑phase transformers

  • Current transducers, voltage sensors, SCRs, and related components

• Lead definition and validation of power electronic panel requirements, gate driver requirements, IGBT selection and qualification, gate driver tuning, EMI/EMC test planning, and panel validation.

• Lead component development and qualification activities, including high‑voltage and high‑current testing across multiple environmental conditions.

Execution & Operational Excellence

• Drive execution excellence through effective effort estimation, budgeting, staffing, resource deployment, and spend analysis.

• Own project planning, risk identification and mitigation, and timely communication to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Ensure adherence to company, industry, and international engineering standards and best practices.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead employee performance management through goal setting, regular coaching, feedback, and development planning.

• Conduct performance reviews and participate in compensation and succession planning.

• Build and develop a high‑performing team by fostering innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Cross‑Functional & Strategic Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, program management, technology leaders, and downstream operations to ensure successful program execution.

• Partner with Sourcing and Supply Chain teams to support strategic supplier selection and technical alignment.

• Provide technical guidance, counsel, and recommendations to section, functional, and executive leadership.

• Contribute to long‑term engineering strategy, capability planning, and product roadmap development.

What do we want to know about you?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

• 10+ years of experience in engineering and product development within high‑reliability industries (railway, automotive, aerospace, or similar)

• 2+ years in an engineering leadership or people management role

• Hands‑on experience in electronic test labs and on vehicles (locomotives or off‑highway), including:

  • High‑power systems (~1000 kVA)

  • Medium voltage (~2 kV)

  • High current (~10 kA)

• Strong knowledge of lab environments and test equipment

• Experience with V‑V development models, power system simulation (MATLAB/Simulink or similar), and quality methods such as DFSS/DFR

• Proven leader delivering high‑quality designs while managing projects and engineering teams in global, cross‑functional environments

• Strong, collaborative communicator able to influence at all organizational levels, including customers

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $104,800-149,300 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.
 

Who are we?

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.