Engineer, Quality II

Progress Rail; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability

401(k) match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Education Assistance

Employee Recognition

Job summary

Progress Rail is seeking a Quality Engineer in East Chicago, IN to partner with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams. You will drive quality system development, CAPA, PFMEA, control plans, and data-driven improvement across processes and products.

You will lead root-cause investigations, support audits, and advance SPC and MSA initiatives while ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. This role emphasizes collaboration and robust problem solving.

Qualifications

• Experience in quality engineering 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of AIAG Core Tools and structured problem-solving methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Resolve quality and production issues with cross-functional teams.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality systems, procedures, and work instructions.
• Lead root-cause investigations and CAPA activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop PFMEAs, control plans, and inspection methods.
• Collect, interpret, analyze, and report quality data using statistical tools.
• Utilize quality tools such as control charts, Pareto analysis, and SPC for improvement.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and support supplier audits and regulatory requirements.
• Lead quality audits and support external audits (AAR M-1003, etc.).
• Support qualification activities and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Lead continuous improvement projects and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Skills

Quality engineering

Quality assurance

Data analysis

Statistical tools

Microsoft Excel

Technical writing

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

MSA

SPC

Job description

PRS Facility Location

E. Chicago, IN Wheel Shop - 194

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.

Req ID

12235BR

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 companies-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.

Education / Training

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

Job Title

Quality Engineer

City

East Chicago

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

Indiana