Lead Quality Specialist

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. You will join some of the most talented and passionate professionals in the locomotive and off highway mining vehicle industry.

How will you make a difference?

The Lead Quality Specialist will develop and maintain systems, rules, and processes to ensure customer satisfaction and the fulfillment of internal and external requirements. In this role, you will be responsible for managing day-to-day quality functions and resolving issues highlighted during inspection. Ensures that processes and products are capable and will meet specified standards. Requires a solid foundation of functional skills and knowledge of relevant technologies, products, and processes. Candidate will be responsible for failure investigation and customer reviews/interface. Communication with cross functional team to drive quality initiatives, mentoring and coaching of program personnel.

What do we want to know about you?

Do you have:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (Or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 2 years of experience in Quality or Manufacturing)
• Participate and driving Quality Culture improvements in coordination with the Plant Quality Leader.
• Additional leadership experience in the areas of Operations, Manufacturing, or Quality
• Knowledge in machining, welding, assembly, and test processes
• Demonstrated ability to balance meeting customer and business needs for optimal outcomes.
• Strong communication skills, oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Solid business and analytical ability
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft 365 applications

What will your typical day look like?

• Develop Quality Culture improvements in coordination with the Plant Quality Leader.
• Ensure that the Manufacturing Quality Management System complies with all Wabtec and customer requirements.
• Develop, mentor, and track continuous improvement projects to instill desired focus on quality.
• Drive and encourage cross-functional teamwork.
• Conduct training on quality assurance concepts and tools.
• Maximize the use of assigned resources to assist in meeting quality, schedule, and profit objectives.
• Mentor LEAD program member on daily management of the Erie warehouse COE. Warehouse/distribution center metrics apply.
• Weighted Defects Per Million Opportunities (WDPMO) metric for Erie site application.
• Projects will be assigned as needed in various areas in the Erie plant. Projects will be measured on completion timeliness and ultimately defect reduction. Will be a champion for continuous improvement and critical part of fixing issues in customer facing areas.
• Assure that manufacturing activities comply with all applicable regulatory, government regulations and contract requirements.
• Assure audit of areas of responsibility for conformance to quality plans, systems and requirements.
• Track, review, and drive projects to reduce manufacturing losses, escapes and manufacturing defects.
• Provide quality plans to monitor and report quality issues, control and monitor gage calibration, out of tolerance gages impact analysis.
• Develop and maintain a communication plan to provide employees with information concerning business goals and objectives.
• Establish a climate that encourages an open two-way channel of communication, whereby employees exchange ideas/suggestions.
• Monitor and evaluate metrics: Escapes, DPU, Scrap, NCMR’s, CAR’s, MDR, project execution, MI reviews, Audits, Process Adherence
• Work closely with customer inspectors to understand requirements or findings and drive any needed corrective actions back through your internal supplier base.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary range for this role is between $62,100 - $85,300.

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 30,000 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.

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $62100-85300 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.