Assembler

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company

Winston-Salem (NC)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 39,000

Full time

39 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation & Holidays

PTO and Employee Assistance

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, seeks an assembler to perform repair work and operate engine testing equipment. The role covers multiple levels (I–IV) with increasing responsibility in assembly, testing, and training of others.

Candidates should be able to read schematics, follow instructions, and maintain a clean, safe work area. The position involves lifting, operating welding and electrical tasks, and potential cross-training across assembly areas.

Qualifications

HS Diploma or GED required.
Skill Level IV: 5+ years of experience, forklift and crane certified, two or more technical certifications.
Skill Level III: 2-5 years of experience, GED or vocational/technical training.
Skill Level II: 1-2 years of experience or High School Education, GED, or vocational/technical training.
Skill Level I: 0-1 year of experience.

Responsibilities

Assemble parts and components for locomotive engine and alternator.
Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and welding processes.
Read schematics and blueprints; perform basic math and adhere to work instructions.
Maintain area cleanliness and organization; follow safety standards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Welding knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Reading schematics

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Forklift certification

Crane certification

Technical certifications

Tools

Power tools

Measuring devices

Job description

Job Purpose

An assembler I performs repair work and/or operating specialized engine testing equipment. An assembler II & III

An assembler I performs repair work and/or operating specialized engine testing equipment. An assembler II & III performs multiple assembly and pre-paint wash/prep, masking sanding, painting, and train other operators. An assembler IV has the capabilities to troubleshoot, repair and train an assembler I, II or III. All levels may be required to perform other functions or assist in other departments as needed.

Req ID

12167BR

Work Location Options

Winston Salem NC

City

Winston Salem

State

North Carolina

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

Assembling and/or test parts and components for locomotive engine;
Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and welding;
Read schematics, blueprints, standard work, perform basic math;
Maintain area cleanliness and organization;
Follow verbal or written work instructions, standards and or QWI’s consistently, accurately, and safely.

Advanced duties and responsibilities

Assembling parts and components for locomotive alternator;
Fasten sub-assembly parts together with bolts, screws, and additional fasteners hardware;
Route and apply electrical wiring harnesses;
Route and install hydraulic fluid, fuel lines and electrical wiring harnesses;
Fill engine with fuel, coolant and hydraulic oils and prep engine for Test Cell;
Operate engine test cell equipment;
Perform pressure decay tests and other IPV’s as required;
Diagnose malfunctions and perform adjustments or repairs to engines and components to meet quality standards;
Maintain and conduct preventive maintenance on machines. Check oil levels, air pressures, air filters and perform minimal maintenance to correct issues;
Diagnose and troubleshoot assembly problems, part quality issues and test results associated with new parts and engineering changes;
Move units in and out of paint booths;
Power wash units for paint, check for leaks;
Sand units, mud and glaze dents or grind marks, perform touch-ups and repair flaws;
Perform surface preparation and masking;
Must be able to run two or more lines and train new employees;
Cross train in all assembly areas;
Safely operate equipment (after proper training) that may include forklift and overhead cranes, power pusher, electric pallet jack.

Education / Training

Requires HS Diploma or GED;
Skill Level IV – 5+ years of experience, Vocational training, Forklift, and crane certified, two or more Technical certifications;
Skill Level III – 2-5 years of experience, GED or vocational/technical training, Heavy Manufacturing and/or Technical Certification;
Skill Level II – 1-2 years of experience or High School Education, GED, or vocational/technical training;
Skill Level I – 0-1 Year of experience.

Qualifications And Experience

Basic PC knowledge for data entry;
Forklift and/or crane experience;
Problem solving skills to properly assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process variations, process changes, engineering changes and part shortages;
Must be familiar with manufacturing environment, with use of industrial equipment and mechanics, heavy structural assembly, and ability to use various hand and power tools and measuring devices;
Must demonstrate ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, technical correspondence, and memos;
Industrial painting systems including bulk, pressured, syphon, HVLP, and conventional spray with array of industrial coatings (polyurethane, CARC);
Demonstrate ability to write effective correspondence;
Demonstrate ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers and employees of the organization.

Essential And Physical Activities Functions

Strength – Must be able to lift and carry up to 35lbs, push and pull up to 50lb;
Motion – Constant walking Frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeing, squatting and overhead reaching and climbing ladders;
Vision/Hearing Requirements – Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms;
Work Environment – Works on varied surfaces, concrete floors, and gravel, rail car and locomotive floors. Works at varied heights from floor level to tops of locomotives. Work in confined spaces. Non temperature control environment, all weather conditions with high noise and high dust levels;
Emotional Demands – Due to the working environment, noise, dust, personal protective equipment, employee must be comfortable working alone;
Safety – Safety Sensitive positions because it works in and around active tracks, rail cars, locomotives, and other moving equipment. Employee must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE. Included but not limited to metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, aprons, ear protection, etc.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

Competitive Salary
401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Employee Assistance Plan
Education Assistance Program
Employee Recognition Programs
Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.