Engineer, Quality II

Progress Rail; Alabama; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Education Assistance Program

Employee Recognition Programs

Job summary

Progress Rail is seeking a Quality Engineer in Albertville, AL to partner with cross-functional teams and implement quality systems ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction. You will lead CAPA, PFMEA, and data-driven improvements across manufacturing processes.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, audits, QA systems, and collaboration with engineering and maintenance to improve OEE, MTBF, and process reliability. A bachelor's degree in a technical field is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• Experience in quality engineering, QA, QM within industrial manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production processes.
• Experience with quality management systems and process control methodologies.
• Working knowledge of AIAG Core Tools: APQP, PPAP, PFMEA/FMEA, MSA, SPC.
• Experience with structured problem-solving: 5 Whys, Ishikawa, 8D, DMAIC, Pareto.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, process capability studies, quality data analysis.
• Proficient in MS Office with advanced Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operations, and program teams to resolve quality and production issues.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality systems, procedures, and standard work.
• Lead root cause investigations and CAPA activities using structured problem-solving.
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs, control plans, inspection methods, and testing protocols.
• Collect, interpret, analyze, and report quality data using QC and statistical tools.
• Lead or support Gauge R&R studies and SPC activities.
• Lead corrective action from customer concerns, audits, and quality issues.
• Support equipment and process qualification activities, including MSA and validation.

Skills

Quality engineering

Quality assurance

Quality management

Manufacturing processes

Communication skills

QM systems

AIAG Core Tools

Analytical skills

Excel advanced

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

PRS Facility Location
Albertville, AL (PRSC Corp HQ) - 001

Job Purpose

Quality Engineer partners with cross-functional teams and customers to develop, implement, and improve quality systems and process controls that ensure product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. The role applies quality engineering tools, data analysis, auditing, and problem-solving methods to drive continuous improvement, reduce risk, and enhance manufacturing performance. Senior Quality Engineers provide technical leadership and lead complex quality initiatives aligned with business and customer requirements.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.

Job Title

Quality Engineer

City

Albertville

Key Job Elements

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operations, and program teams to resolve quality and production issues.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality systems, procedures, work instructions, and standard work supporting quality manual and procedural requirements.
• Lead and support root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop, maintain, and improve process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, control plans, inspection methods, and testing protocols.
• Collect, interpret, analyze, and report quality and process performance data using quality control and statistical tools.
• Utilize quality tools such as control charts, Pareto analysis, process flowcharts, matrix diagrams, and statistical analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and process evaluations to ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform internal process and systems audits and support third-party audits, including AAR M-1003 and AAR MID audit requirements when applicable.
• Lead corrective action activities resulting from customer concerns, audit findings, and operational quality issues.
• Support equipment and process qualification activities, including verification, validation, process capability studies, and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Lead or support Gauge R&R studies and statistical process control (SPC) activities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance teams to improve process reliability, maintainability, OEE, MTBF, and MTTF performance.
• Support new product launches, process changes, and implementation of quality requirements.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects, Kaizen events, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Evaluate and implement new inspection technologies, measurement systems, and quality improvement solutions.
• Maintain quality documentation and records in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Serve as a quality engineering resource and provide technical guidance on quality systems, process controls, risk management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external customers and support resolution of customer quality concerns.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, quality management, or manufacturing quality within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with quality management systems and process control methodologies.
• Working knowledge of AIAG Core Tools, including:
  • APQP
  • PPAP
  • PFMEA/FMEA
  • MSA
  • SPC
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methodologies such as:
  • 5 Whys
  • Fishbone (Ishikawa) Analysis
  • 8D
  • DMAIC
  • Pareto Analysis
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, process capability studies, and quality data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel functions for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rail, heavy industrial, steel, machining, automotive, or other manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with AAR standards, wheel shop operations, and railroad manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Lead Auditor certification (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or M-1003).
• Experience conducting internal and external quality audits.
• Experience with reliability engineering, equipment qualification, and advanced inspection technologies.

EEO

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

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.

Job Category

Engineering

State

Alabama

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company 12 hours ago