Lead Materials Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

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 will you be working with?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Our team is focused on continually improving our best-in-class production capabilities. We combine deep domain expertise and tenured experience to deliver unparalleled products for our customers. Here you’ll interact daily with team members during the problem resolution process and will partner with other key stakeholders to support our internal customers and their responsibilities.

How will you make a difference?

As a Lead Material Specialist you will provide materials management expertise to the operations team in addition to maintaining inventory accuracy, work order consumption, and ordering of direct materials. In this role, you will utilize your experience and expertise to solve problems, drive process adherence, develop and execute objectives for self and others, and can affect short-term and some long-term business goals. 

What do we want to know about you?

Do you have: 

• A minimum two current years’ experience in a production or materials role in manufacturing industry

• Bachelor’s degree or technical degree preferred

• Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes

• Strategic and creative thinking to analyze issues that may arise and create solutions

• Basic shop math skills in all units of measuring, along with ability to read and use gauges and measuring instruments

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while having a high degree of attention to details

• Understanding of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing concepts and production schedules preferred

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to influence, motive, coach, and drive accountability

• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite

• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle preferred)

What will your typical day look like?

• Work closely with the fulfillment and planning teams to forecast and avoid part shortages impacting production, escalating issues, and communicating to the operations teams, as necessary 

• Own all internal kitting and lineside management of direct material for multiple production lines simultaneously

• Be responsible for direct material presentation through kits and lineside bins for production lines

• Lead a team of hourly associates responsible for receiving, stocking, kitting and replenishment of material

• Work with other material specialists to develop an optimal plan for every part

• Work with Oracle ERP and MES software systems to manage material and other systemic requirements

• Ensure inventory and transactional accuracy as our customers and internal stakeholders change material requirements for modernization and new build locomotive programs

• Provide timely disposition resolution for discrepant and non-conforming material

• Achieve an elevated level of accuracy during yearly physical inventory

• Provide clear communication and technical materials guidance to management and other Wabtec employees daily

• Work as part of a cross functional team, driving a "one team" focus, dedicated to customer success within the shop

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, OSHA work practices, and industry/site-specific work rules

• Be expected to take ownership of and lead projects for plantwide materials process improvement in addition to your lineside and kitting responsibilities

• Be expected to take a leadership role in your department, flexing outside your traditional job responsibilities to assist and improve other shop operations functions

• Be expected to occasionally report on and present materials metrics and project improvements to senior and executive leadership

• Be expected to respond to issues and communicate quickly and effectively when time is of the utmost importance and to work long hours to ensure that the job gets done

Our job titles may span more than one career level.  The salary range for this role is between $68,900-$98,200.

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 Other benefits offerings for this role may include an annual bonus, if eligible.

Who are we?

The Wabtec Erie site opened in 1907 and we have over 117 years of history at this location.  We occupy over 345 acres with 20 major buildings, and we manufacture locomotives on site.  Wabtec has 16 miles of rail and a 4.1-mile test track.  Wabtec Corporation is a leading manufacturer of locomotives and a 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. We have over 27,000 employees worldwide.  We do machining, metal work, welding, assembly, testing and painting as well as intensive material handling using cranes, forklifts, and material positioners.  Wabtec has been an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program site since 2000.  We hold environmental permits for air, water and wastewater facilities.  Our Erie location has a two-mile walking/running path and a fitness center.  We also offer an onsite dining area and various market locations across the site.  Visit our website to learn more!

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.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $68900-98200 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

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.