Program Manager Salary Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Who will you be working with?

Wabtec’s Digital Intelligence Signaling & Systems team is a recognized industry leader in the successful delivery of complex integrated system projects. These projects involve signaling, train control, communications, and back-office solutions with a strong focus on project execution, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.

How will you make a difference?

As a Program Manager you are responsible for the end-to-end delivery of complex rail signaling and systems integration programs across North America within the Wabtec Digital Intelligence – Signaling & Systems (S&S) P&L. You will be responsible for the commercial, technical, and contractual performance of multi-year transportation programs, including conventional signaling, CBTC, PTC, communications, SCADA, and multi-system integration.

You will operate within a matrix organization, leading cross-functional teams and coordinating internal and external stakeholders (customers, primes, subcontractors, and suppliers) to deliver fully integrated rail systems in compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements.

What do we want to know about you?

You must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Project Management, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience in Project/ Program Management
• 5+ years managing multi-year, complex regulated projects/programs

We would love it if you had:

• Rail signaling systems
• Program management within a matrixed organization
• Program planning/management systems/tools
• Capacity planning, scheduling, budget, and execution
• Contract Management
• Cost control and forecasting
• Working with transit agencies / public sector clients
• Multi-partner or consortium environments

What will your typical day look like?

Your key responsibilities will be:

Program Delivery & Execution

• Lead full program lifecycle: bid support → execution → testing & commissioning → closeout
• Deliver programs:
  • On schedule
  • Within budget
  • In line with revenue, margin, and cash flow targets
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Contract requirements
  • Customer specifications (e.g., transit agencies, FRA/FTA processes)
  • Wabtec quality, safety, and governance standards

Systems Integration Leadership (Critical)

• Lead delivery of integrated signaling and multi-system architectures, including:
  • CBTC / ATC / PTC
  • Wayside and onboard systems
  • Communications (radio, fiber, network)
  • SCADA / OCC / dispatch systems
  • Traction power and OCS interfaces
• Ensure:
  • Interface definition and control (ICDs)
  • Cross-system integration planning and execution
  • Coordination across engineering disciplines and external partners

Commercial & Contract Management

• Own full contract performance, including:
  • Scope management
  • Change Orders (identification, pricing, negotiation)
  • Cost, revenue, and margin performance
• Lead or oversee:
  • Change Order proposals (scope, cost, schedule, risk)
  • Customer negotiations and claims positioning
• Actively manage:
  • Earned value / cost vs budget
  • Forecasting (sales & cash)
  • Risk-adjusted financial performance

Risk & Opportunity Management

• Proactively identify and manage:
  • Technical risks (integration, performance, safety)
  • Commercial risks (margin erosion, cost overruns, claims)
  • Schedule risks (critical path, dependencies)
• Develop and execute mitigation and recovery plans
• Escalate issues with clear recommendations and action plans

Stakeholder & Customer Leadership

• Serve as the primary program interface to:
  • Customers (transit agencies, authorities)
  • Consortium/primes (e.g., rolling stock OEMs, EPCs)
  • Key subcontractors and suppliers
• Build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships
• Lead executive-level program reviews and communications

Governance, Reporting & Reviews

• Lead internal and external reviews:
  • Monthly/quarterly program reviews
  • Risk reviews
  • Customer progress meetings
• Deliver high-quality executive reporting, including:
  • Schedule status
  • Cost and margin performance
  • Risk/opportunity status
  • Key decisions and escalations
• Ensure traceability and auditability of program data and decisions

Team Leadership (Matrix Organization)

• Lead cross-functional teams across:
  • Engineering
  • Project Controls
  • Procurement
  • Finance
  • Field operations and commissioning
• Align internal and external resources to achieve program objectives
• Support development of program management best practices and talent

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in:
  • Execution processes
  • Forecast accuracy (cost, sales, cash)
  • Risk identification and mitigation
• Capture lessons learned and applied across programs

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $120000-150000 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.