Program Manager
Wabtec · Chicago, IL
📍 Chicago, IL, usvia smartrecruitersPosted 2026-06-17
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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, i
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