QA Engineer

Job Overview

Wabtec Corporation is seeking a Verification & Validation Engineer to lead testing efforts for its Locomotive Energy Management Product, Trip Optimizer. The role involves scoping test plans, writing test procedures, executing tests, analyzing results, and driving improvements in quality and efficiency across complex electro-mechanical and software systems within the rail industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Review system and subsystem-level design requirements to ensure testability and understand design intent.
• Develop detailed test plans and use interaction matrices to identify relevant test cases and scenarios.
• Identify appropriate types of testing (desktop verification, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, locomotive testing, pilot fleet operations).
• Provide accurate estimates of testing durations for project planning.
• Thoroughly document all testing activities, from plans to results.
• Conduct design reviews of test plans, procedures, and results with internal and external stakeholders.
• Create and analyze complex test cases, provide feedback, and recommend product/design improvements.
• Prepare and present technical results and invention disclosures to protect competitive advantages.
• Drive process improvements to enhance quality, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.
• Participate in final system integration and validation to detect functional issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, interpret, and perform tests on products and modifications.
• Champion productivity initiatives including automation of testing workflows.

Must-Have Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in software validation/testing and software development environments.
• Strong knowledge of test execution, requirements traceability, defect reporting, and automation concepts.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize effectively, and work independently or in team settings.
• Strong organizational skills and experience working with or leading cross-functional teams.

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of Matlab/Simulink.
• Experience with design and validation of electro-mechanical systems, particularly in locomotives or off-highway vehicles.
• Familiarity with locomotive software and applications.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing.
• Prior success in driving process improvement, productivity initiatives, and invention disclosures.

How to Prepare for the Interview

• Review system and software test methodologies relevant to desktop, SIL, HIL, and field testing.
• Refresh knowledge of requirements traceability matrices and defect lifecycle management.
• Prepare examples showcasing your ability to create comprehensive test plans and execute complex test cases.
• Be ready to discuss technical communication—how you document and present results and interact with stakeholders.
• Brush up on Matlab/Simulink or be prepared to demonstrate quick learning aptitude if you lack direct experience.
• Gather stories highlighting leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in cross-functional projects.
• Prepare to discuss involvement in productivity and automation initiatives.

How to Prepare the Resume

• Highlight your experience in validation/testing in software and/or electro-mechanical systems.
• Detail hands-on use of testing methodologies, traceability, and defect management.
• Emphasize any Matlab or Simulink experience and relevant industrial applications.
• Showcase leadership roles, project ownership, and process improvement contributions.
• Quantify impact where possible (e.g., reduced test cycles, improved defect detection).
• Mention cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Useful Links for Preparation

• Systems & Software Testing Basics: https://www.guru99.com/software-testing.html
• Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing: https://www.mathworks.com/discovery/hardware-in-the-loop.html
• Matlab & Simulink Tutorials: https://www.mathworks.com/learn/tutorials/matlab-onramp.html
• Defect Life Cycle: https://www.guru99.com/defect-life-cycle.html
• Requirements Traceability Best Practices: https://www.modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3536/Best-Practices-in-Requirements-Traceability.aspx
• Process Improvement Tips in QA: https://www.stickyminds.com/article/ten-tips-process-improvement-software-testing