Leader – Subject Matter Expert (SME) Group

It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.

Who are we?

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.

Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers’ potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world. We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 27K employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit our website to learn more!

Role Overview: 

The Leader of the SME Group will be responsible for building, mentoring, and leading a team of Subject Matter Experts across various transit product domains such as Brakes, Couplers, Pantographs, HVAC, Doors, and RAMS. This role ensures technical excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic alignment of product expertise with business goals. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Team Management 

• Lead and manage a team of SMEs across multiple transit product domains. 

• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. 

• Set clear goals, KPIs, and development plans for SME team members. 

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and cross-domain collaboration. 

Technical Strategy & Governance 

• Define and drive the technical roadmap for SME domains in alignment with engineering and product strategies. 

• Ensure standardization of engineering practices, specifications, and documentation across domains. 

• Review and approve critical design decisions, test results, and engineering change proposals. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Act as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders including Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Customers. 

• Support bid and proposal activities with domain-specific expertise. 

• Represent the SME group in global technical forums and leadership reviews. 

Capability Building 

• Identify skill gaps and lead initiatives for upskilling and certification of SME team members. 

• Develop and maintain domain-specific knowledge repositories and best practices. 

• Drive innovation and R&D initiatives within SME domains. 

Operational Excellence 

• Ensure timely and high-quality technical deliverables across all SME domains. 

• Support root cause analysis and resolution of complex engineering issues. 

• Monitor and report on SME group performance, risks, and mitigation plans. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering. 

• 15+ years of experience in engineering roles within the transit or rail industry. 

• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams or SME groups. 

• Deep domain knowledge in at least two transit product areas (e.g., Brakes, HVAC, Doors). 

• Strong understanding of product lifecycle, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. 

Skills & Competencies: 

• Strategic thinking and technical vision. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. 

• Ability to mentor and develop high-performing technical teams. 

• Familiarity with tools like DOORS, CATIA, MATLAB, and PLM systems. 

Preferred Certifications: 

• IRIS, EN 50126/8/9, ISO 26262, or equivalent domain-specific standards. 

• Six Sigma, PMP, or Agile certifications are a plus. 

Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:

Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.   

To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives and recognize that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.

We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.