Power Electronics Engineering Manager

Wabtec•Erie, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.