Manufacturing Engineer
Wabtec · Salem, VA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 7+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Wabtec (industrial) in Salem, VA. You will lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques and automation solutions to support Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
- They ask for
- 7+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, 5S, Value stream mapping, Control plans, PLC, Automation
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
At a glance
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How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Wabtec
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
About the role
Who will you be working with?
You will be part of the Manufacturing Engineering team, working closely with Automation, Manufacturing Operations, and Product Engineering teams. This role collaborates across functions to improve processes, integrate new technologies, and support high-quality, efficient manufacturing operations.
How will you make a difference?
As an Automation Engineer, you will lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques and automation solutions to support Design for Manufacturing (DFM). You will research, design, build, and test complex electro-mechanical systems while partnering with cross-functional teams to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. This role plays a key part in driving innovation, process optimization, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
What do we want to know about you?
- •Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field?
- •Do you have at least 7 years of industrial manufacturing experience?
- •Do you have 4+ years of experience designing manufacturing tooling and equipment?
- •Do you have hands-on experience in manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, assembly, testing, or molding?
- •Are you proficient in Microsoft Office, databases, and 3D design tools (SolidWorks preferred)?
- •Do you have experience integrating automation components such as servos, sensors, and motion systems?
- •Are you experienced with precision measurement, metrology, and dimensional analysis?
- •Are you a strong problem solver who can communicate technical concepts clearly?
- •Can you manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing deadlines?
- •Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently?
- •Are you comfortable working in environments with ambiguity and complexity?
- •Are you able to travel as needed for the role?
- •Do you have hands-on experience building prototypes, tooling, or automated systems?
- •Do you have expertise in areas such as CNC machining, metalworking, assembly, or automation?
- •Do you have experience with PLC programming or LabVIEW?
- •Do you have knowledge of industrial electrical/electronic systems and automation controls?
- •Are you familiar with Lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, and control plans?
What will your typical day look like?
- •Improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and tooling designs
- •Integrate and support automation equipment and technologies
- •Conduct time studies and implement cost and efficiency improvements
- •Manage equipment and capital projects within budget and timelines
- •Collaborate with teams to resolve issues and enhance manufacturing performance
- •Support supplier selection, feasibility studies, and project justifications
- •Apply Lean principles and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- •Ensure safety, quality, and compliance in all processes
You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
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.
Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).