Principal Application Engineer

Job Description

Summary:

The Integrated Solutions organization within Digital Intelligence (DI) is responsible for ensuring Wabtec products and external systems operate together as integrated solutions that deliver customer outcomes safely, efficiently, and reliably.

The Principal Application Engineer serves as the technical leader responsible for defining, architecting, and validating complex railroad solutions across Wabtec's Digital Intelligence portfolio. This role bridges railroad operations and engineering teams, translating customer requirements, operating practices, and train handling expertise into solution architectures, system requirements, and technology roadmaps.

A key focus of this position is supporting the development of autonomous train operations and automated yard management solutions while ensuring alignment with customer needs, railroad operating practices, and regulatory requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review customer requirements, requests for information (RFI), or requests for proposal (RFP) to elicit the solution level requirements
• Translate Train Handling Dynamics:
  Convert locomotive engineer expertise regarding slack control, weight distribution, and train length physics into functional software requirements for Autonomous Train Operation (ATO) algorithms.
• Driving Engine Calibration:
  Optimize driving engines and energy management systems (e.g., automated throttle and dynamic braking) to balance fuel efficiency with precise speed restriction compliance across varied topography and train handling.
• Train Handling Requirements:
  Define technical parameters for automated systems to manage in-train forces (buff and draft) during acceleration, pneumatic braking, and transitions over undulating terrain to prevent derailments or broken knuckles.
• Edge-Case Handling Physics:
  Document physical and operational anomalies (e.g., low adhesion due to weather, stuck brakes, or unexpected track curvature) to develop automated safe-stop protocols
• Simulation and Validation:
  Participate and lead in the development of the simulation environment to test and validate the train handling capabilities across the operating envelope of railroads territories, train types, and configurations.
• Live Physics Validation:
  Participate and lead on-site testing and ride-alongs to validate that autonomous train handling software performs safely across the envelope of operations.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  Ensure automated train handling logic adheres strictly to Class I Air Brake and Train Handling (ABTH) rules, GCOR/NORAC standards, and FRA safety metrics.
• Technical Communication:
  Speak fluently as a translator between locomotive engineers/road foremen of engines and software developers.
• Support in developing the solution concept and architecture that aligns with the customer request, working with the constituent product teams
• Being a consultant through the individual constituent product’s concept development and reviews, estimation process and schedule/plan development
• Technical responses to RFP/RFIs through the pre-contract phase
• Partnering with the integration test engineers to drive the solution-level test plans and procedures
• Partnering with the individual constituent product teams in field testing and field monitoring of the solutions at the customer
• Providing technical leadership for all technology issue resolution that might arise across functional teams in assigned work streams
• Identify technical risks of design and implementation of new solutions and applications, and help define mitigation for the risks
• Work closely with senior management on organizational initiatives around culture and speed, embrace the initiatives to become the change agent and act as a role model for the other engineers
• Support the protection and development of Wabtec intellectual property

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science from an accredited college or university (Master’s Degree preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive experience within railroad operations, locomotive manufacturing, or premier rail automation vendors.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical solutions in a…