Senior Escalation Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

As the Managing Director of Railroad Friction Products (RFPC), you will partner with a broad cross‑functional leadership team including Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and IT. You will be the senior‑most leader at the Maxton, NC site, engaging regularly with Product Line leadership, corporate functions, customers, unions/social partners and local regulatory authorities. The role sits within both the Friction & Rubber leadership team and the North America Transit Operations leadership team and plays a critical role in driving enterprise priorities at the site level.

You will have full accountability for site performance across safety, compliance, operations, financial results, and people leadership. You will set the operational direction of the site, ensuring alignment with business strategy while driving execution excellence across all functions. This role owns the delivery of key performance outcomes including safety, quality, cost, delivery, and cash, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

• Own and lead all aspects of site performance, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash flow
• Ensure full compliance with EHS, regulatory, and certification requirements; serve as the primary interface with local authorities
• Establish and drive the operational strategy, translating business goals into executable plans across all site functions
• Lead daily operational reviews and performance management routines using KPIs to drive accountability and results
• Partner with Finance to develop, execute, and continuously monitor site financial plans, including budget, forecast, and variance recovery actions
• Own CAPEX planning and execution, ensuring investments drive productivity, safety, and growth outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement through lean methodologies, process optimization, and digital initiatives to improve efficiency and quality
• Ensure effective coordination and alignment across operations, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and support functions
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues, ensuring timely resolution and communication
• Build a high‑performance culture by driving employee engagement, accountability, and leadership development
• Partner with HR to lead talent strategy, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce planning
• Maintain strong external relationships with customers, suppliers, unions, and community stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including multi‑functional leadership at scale
• Proven experience with full P&L or site‑level financial accountability (CAPEX, OPEX, budgeting, and forecasting)
• Deep expertise in EHS, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management
• Demonstrated track record driving operational excellence through lean transformation, continuous improvement, and digitalization
• Strong experience leading in matrix organizations and influencing senior stakeholders
• Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to drive engagement, performance, and cultural transformation
• Strong analytical and decision‑making capabilities using KPI‑driven performance management

• Frequent presence in a manufacturing/industrial environment with regular floor engagement
• Ability to observe operations, review processes, and interact directly with teams on the shop floor
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
• Periodic travel to other sites, customer locations, and leadership meetings

The salary range for this role is between $164,900 and $235,000 USD. The actual salary offered may be influenced by training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands, and location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus. Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Wabtec only employs those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. For this opening, any offer is conditioned upon a successful drug screen (if applicable) and fitness for duty test (if applicable).

Benefits include health, welfare, and retirement programs. Additional benefits may include an annual bonus if eligible. More information can be found on the Wabtec benefits website.

Wabtec is 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. If you need accommodation, please let us know.