Lead Systems Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Systems Engineer/Lead Systems Integrator to join our Systems and Design organization. This role is responsible for end-to-end engineering functions across all major disciplines—systems engineering, hardware design, mechanical engineering, electronics, and cross‑functional integration—to develop and customize KinetiX Wayside Inspection products.

• Own and evolve the base product architecture
  , ensuring standardization across mechanical, electronic, and system components to drive scalability, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Own system‑level design and integration
  , ensuring cohesive architecture, clear interfaces, and alignment across all engineering disciplines for on‑time delivery.
• Define, document, and govern system requirements and verification processes across the product lifecycle.

• Conduct gap analysis between base product designs and customer requirements to identify required customizations.
• Lead cross‑functional solution definition and validate feasibility through architecture alignment, prototyping, and technical trade‑off analysis.
• Translate customer needs into detailed system and subsystem requirements
  , ensuring cross‑functional ownership and alignment for execution.

• Identify, implement, and validate design improvements to address performance and reliability issues through root cause analysis, cross‑functional alignment, and prototyping.

• Collaborate with engineering, architecture, and product teams to ensure alignment with system design, platform strategy, and delivery timelines.
• Explore opportunities to combine products from multiple product lines to offer differentiated solutions.
• Establish and drive design governance, engineering processes, and best practices to ensure consistency, compliance, and quality.
• Serve as the technical delivery lead
  , driving cross‑functional alignment, managing dependencies, and resolving integration risks and trade‑offs.
• Partner with Scrum teams to balance delivery of features, defect resolution, and technical debt.

• Drive a culture of technical ownership, accountability, and structured problem‑solving across cross‑functional teams.
• Mentor and guide teams on system thinking, integration of best practices, and end‑to‑end delivery mindset.
• Ensure system readiness, validation, and final performance to meet defined requirements.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering.
• 10+ years of experience leading engineering teams across systems, hardware, and at least one additional discipline.
• Demonstrated leadership in systems engineering and cross‑disciplinary integration.
• Expertise in systems integration, mechanical and electronic design.
• Experience in modular product design and customization.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Experience with prototyping, PoC, and gap analysis.
• Ability to manage teams and external partners effectively.

• Familiarity with Wabtec KinetiX product lines.
• Experience with vision‑based and acoustic inspection technologies.
• Knowledge of rail safety standards and wayside monitoring systems.

• Opportunity to lead a dynamic and innovative team.
• Work on cutting‑edge technologies and products.
• Collaborate with industry experts and thought leaders.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Salary range: $104,800 - $149,300.
• Benefits: health, welfare, retirement, annual bonus (eligible).

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.

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