Director, Quality Assurance Locomotive Operations

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance for its locomotive operations. This leadership role focuses on enhancing the Quality Management System across manufacturing processes, ensuring best practices are documented and communicated effectively. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in quality assurance, Lean methodologies, and team management. You will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement and ensuring high standards of product performance. Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and excellence in the railroad equipment manufacturing sector, where your contributions will significantly impact the industry's future.

Benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Education Assistance Program

Employee Recognition Programs

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Site specific Production and Incentive Plans

Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in quality or manufacturing roles.
• Strong background in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven track record in team development and coaching.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement quality management systems.
• Manage and mentor quality/test managers and teams.

Skills

Quality Management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical Skills

Team Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Outlook

MS Visio

Job description

Director, Quality Assurance Locomotive Operations

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Job Purpose

The Director of Quality Assurance Locomotive Operations reports to the Vice President of Locomotive Quality. This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction for all aspects of the Quality Management System (Locomotive Assembly Quality Assurance, Locomotive Test, Continuous Improvement) throughout the Locomotive Division in manufacturing quality and infancy of locomotive performance for “new” locomotives and Gen Sets. This role ensures that best practices are properly documented and communicated across the division to minimize waste by ensuring the proper methods are being executed.

Req ID

10471BR

Job Purpose

The Director of Quality Assurance Locomotive Operations reports to the Vice President of Locomotive Quality. This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction for all aspects of the Quality Management System (Locomotive Assembly Quality Assurance, Locomotive Test, Continuous Improvement) throughout the Locomotive Division in manufacturing quality and infancy of locomotive performance for “new” locomotives and Gen Sets. This role ensures that best practices are properly documented and communicated across the division to minimize waste by ensuring the proper methods are being executed.

Req ID

10471BR

City

Muncie

State:

Indiana

Company Description

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is an integrated rolling stock and infrastructure provider, delivering a full range of products and services to domestic and international railroad customers. Our customers enjoy one-stop shopping and comprehensive cradle-to-grave railway solutions - whether it rolls on the rail or is the rail itself. From locomotives, transit, freight cars and engines, to tracks, signals and advanced technology, we ensure customers can count on us to meet all their rail needs. Forging the bridge between ideas and success, our talented and innovative team members work together to address the challenges of the rail industry today, ensuring success for the future. As part of a vibrant, global network of business operations, each and every member of our team is important to our success. With headquarters in Albertville, Ala., more than 7,000 dedicated employees serve customers through a network of close to 150 locations around the world. For more information, visit www.progressrail.com and follow @Progress_Rail on Twitter and YouTube.

Key Job Elements

The Director of Quality Assurance Locomotive Operations has quality responsibility for the several North American operations. The key metrics that are tracked for this position are DPU (Defects per Unit), infancy product performance (the first 180 days of operation post commissioning), COPQ (Cost of Poor Quality) and nonconformances noted during the AAR and ISO.

• Provide leadership to quality / test managers, team leaders and professional staff;
• Establish and develop common processes and procedures for Locomotive Operations;
• Instill a quality culture across locomotive operations by developing and deploying a comprehensive quality assurance, continuous improvement and supplier quality strategy;
• Work closely with the Supplier Quality Leadership and team members to ensure the proper execution of product introduction through the PPAP process;
• New Product Introduction: Develop APQP strategies to ensure proper procedures are followed to validate the process and products are introduced with minimal interruptions and defects;
• Participate as a business partner with the operations staff in managing and leading the direction of the business;
• Provide 6 Sigma leadership, change management directions and guidance in proactively identifying opportunities and removing / eliminating barriers;
• Lead audit function and process across the division and each facility regarding Continuous Improvement opportunities, and compliance of AAR standards, ISO certification and EN standards/certification;
• Manage budget to plan;
• Select and develop team members;
• Demonstrate behaviors associated with our code of conduct;
• Travel as required.
  
  
  

Education / Training

• College degree – BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
  
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

This position requires an experienced and results-driven leader that demonstrates solid analytical, communication, and team management skills. Must be adept at managing business operations, implementing quality management and continuous improvement programs, and developing process improvement initiatives.

• Min 6 years Quality or Manufacturing LEAN experience, including leading teams of engineers and/or Six Sigma professionals and or LEAN conversions;
• Knowledge of locomotive (or rail) product(s) and diverse manufacturing processes (Welding, Machining, Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Assembly, etc.);
• Proven track record of reducing cost of poor quality;
• Experience driving up first pass yields, and reducing scrap/rework;
• Knowledge and experience with AAR standards, ISO 9001 certification/audits and relevant EN standards/requirements/certification;
• Extensive experience with ISO, LEAN, Six Sigma, 6S and TQM methodologies;
• Ability to travel 20 to 40% domestically and internationally;
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio
• Above average troubleshooting skills;
• Proven skills in team development and coaching;
• High level of analytical ability where problems are complex;
• High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others;
• Above average communication skills.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience and Education:

• Experience with CAT Production System;
• 6 Sigma Green or Black Belt or RedXTM Apprentice or Journeyman.
  
  
  

Essential and Physical Activities Functions:

• Strength – Position requires lifting of 50lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and confined
  
  
  

spaces while installing or repair machinery and components;

• Motion – Position requires standing and/or walking the majority of the day. Frequent walking, squatting,
  
  
  

kneeling, and climbing of steps and stairs;

• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. Position is
  
  
  

exposed to cutting torches and welding operations. The use of proper PPE is required. The Position

requires the ability to read QWI and schematics and understand instructions;

• Work Environment – Position can be located inside or outside, dependent on situation. When inside, the
  
  
  

employees are subject to temperature extremes in non‐temperature‐controlled environments. When

outside employees are subject to all weather elements. Employees will work with oils and other lubricants;

• Emotional Demands – Expected to work and cooperate as part of team to meet production requirements.
• Safety – Position is safety sensitive, as it requires working in and around live tracks and operation and
  
  
  

repair of heavy equipment. Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e blue flag) and use of all

PPE.

Benefits

• 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. EEO Equal Opportunity Employer – Race/Color/Sex/Religion/National Origin/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Vets/Disabilities
  
  
  

Job Category

Quality

PRS Facility Location

Muncie, IN Locomotive - 293

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Part-time

Job function

• Job function

  Quality Assurance

• Industries

  Railroad Equipment Manufacturing

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