Mechanical Engineer

Overview

The Mechanical Engineer at CAF USA serves as the technical lead for mechanical systems within rail vehicle projects, acting as the primary interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Suppliers, and Customers. This position is responsible for the definition, development, verification, and validation of all mechanical aspects of the vehicle—including carbody structure, bogies, interior finishing systems, and mechanical installations—ensuring full compliance with contractual, regulatory, and internal technical requirements. The role supports tender, project, and product lifecycle activities, ensuring designs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations and CAF performance targets.

Functional Description

• Lead the development and integration of vehicle mechanical systems, including carbody (body shell), bogie assemblies, interior systems, and mechanical installations.
• Act as the technical interface with Manufacturing, Quality, and Suppliers regarding drawing interpretation, technical specifications, tolerances, and compliance.
• Develop, review, and validate 3D models, assemblies, and drawings using 3DEXPERIENCE (CATIA), ensuring proper implementation of engineering changes through ENOVIA 3DX Change Management.
• Plan and execute mechanical engineering activities, including verification and validation (V&V), structural compliance reviews, and design maturity assessments.
• Ensure alignment of design solutions with contractual technical specifications, applicable U.S. and international standards, and CAF internal design criteria.
• Represent CAF in customer and stakeholder meetings in the U.S., addressing mechanical topics and supporting technical clarification and decision-making.
• Coordinate with HQ Engineering and Technical Project Managers (TPMs) to ensure correct implementation of project scope, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Support impact assessments (time, cost, quality) for risks, opportunities, deviations, and variations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Promote and maximize the use of standardized and modular engineering solutions across tenders and projects.
• Ensure technical specification flow-down to suppliers and validate compliance of supplied components.
• Participate actively in system functional definition reviews and cross-functional design reviews with customers and suppliers.
• Support root cause analysis, non-conformity resolution, and corrective action implementation related to mechanical systems.
• Perform additional technical duties as assigned by Engineering or Project Management leadership.

Training/Education Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Technology Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in railway rolling stock mechanical system development (new build and/or refurbishment).
• Experience in comparable industries with complex, long-cycle, supplier-intensive projects (e.g., heavy machinery, steel manufacturing, industrial plant implementation).
• Knowledge of the U.S. railway sector and vehicle approval/certification processes preferred.
• Candidates with an Associate Degree in Drafting or Engineering Technology may be considered if they demonstrate advanced expertise in 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), strong mechanical design capability, and relevant industry experience.

Location and Travel

• Based at CAF Elmira Manufacturing Site; travel to Headquarters and Boston Technical Office as needed.

Preferred Qualifications/Requirements

• Proficiency in CATIA and 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX).
• Experience with PLM systems, preferably ENOVIA 3DX.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Project.
• Knowledge of applicable railway standards and industry specifications (U.S. and international) is highly desirable.
• Spanish language proficiency is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Proactive, autonomous, and customer-focused.
• Excellent English communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Safety-conscious with adherence to PPE and CAF policies.

Safety Requirements

• Report all work-related injuries or illnesses to their supervisor on the same day the incident occurs.
• Report any unsafe conditions identified within their work area to their supervisor immediately.
• Comply with all CAF USA safety policies, procedures, and requirements, including adherence to Job Safety Analysis (JSA) protocols.
• Properly wear and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as communicated and provided by CAF USA.
• Complete all required CAF USA safety and compliance training prior to the start of assigned work or as scheduled.
• Refrain from operating CAF USA equipment (including forklifts, cranes, and scissor lifts) unless properly trained and certified.