Performance Test Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
Job Description
Who will you be working with?
You'll be joining Wabtec Bus Solutions, a team driving innovation in Transit Bus & Rail systems, including passenger door systems, wheelchair lifts & ramps, e-Bus charging systems, driver's protective barriers, and more. We blend technical expertise with deep product knowledge to deliver high-impact solutions for our customers and communities.
How will you make a difference?
As a member of the Wabtec Bus Solutions division, you'll lead a test engineering team supporting a mix of door systems, wheelchair lifts/ramps, windows, driver barriers, charging products, controls, and other bus-related product lines. Reporting to the Director of Product Engineering & Product Management, you will be responsible for validation testing activities supporting both new product development and sustaining engineering. As a hands-on leader, you will personally contribute to test planning, execution, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis while developing the people, processes, tools, laboratory capabilities, and operating systems needed to improve Test Engineering effectiveness. Working closely with engineering, quality, operations, and customers, you will help ensure safe, reliable, and compliant products are delivered on time while building a more structured, scalable, and efficient Test Engineering organization.
You may be a good fit if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (ABET-accredited); Master's degree is a plus
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience and 3+ years of leadership experience
• Experience testing and validating mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, preferably within transportation, industrial, or related industries
• Experience planning, executing, and troubleshooting validation testing
• Proven leadership experience including basic project management, team development, prioritization, and accountability
• Experience improving engineering processes, test methods, laboratory operations, or technical workflows
• Strong knowledge of test equipment, test fixture design, engineering principles, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• CAD, programming, and other similar adjacent skills a plus

What will your typical day look like?

• Lead and develop a team of local and remote test engineers and technicians
• Set team goals, priorities, and workload while providing coaching and performance feedback
• Execute and oversee testing and validation activities supporting new product development and sustaining engineering
• Personally contribute to test planning, setup, execution, troubleshooting, and analysis for complex or critical projects
• Develop and standardize test plans, test reports, and validation methods to improve consistency and efficiency
• Establish and maintain visibility into testing priorities, schedules, workload, capacity, and status
• Lead root cause testing and assist in corrective actions for failures and field issues
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and project teams to deliver reliable and timely validation results
• Manage laboratory operations, including safety, organization, equipment maintenance, calibration programs, and resource utilization
• Support APQP/NPD processes and ensure compliance with applicable standards and requirements
• Develop and track key performance indicators related to throughput, quality, responsiveness, and equipment readiness
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, technical excellence, and customer focus

What are the physical demands of the job?

• Primarily office and lab-based work
• Use a computer and/or lab equipment for extended periods
• Ability to build, instrument, test, and troubleshoot mechanical and electro-mechanical systems
• Occasionally lift/move up to 35 pounds
• Stand, walk, and navigate facilities regularly
• Occasional travel (10%) to other sites

You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.
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).
Qualifications
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $79100-112800. 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. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
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.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.