Machinist III

Progress Rail; Carolina (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

PTO

Job summary

Progress Rail is seeking a capable machinist in Winston Salem, NC to perform precision machining per blueprints and work instructions. You will lead small teams, troubleshoot automated cells, and maintain quality data while driving on-time target achievement.

The role emphasizes problem solving, continuous improvement, and adherence to safety protocols. Requires HS Diploma or GED with 2–5 years of machining experience and technical certifications where applicable.

Qualifications

• Requires HS Diploma or GED with 2-5 years of machining experience.
• Proficient in blueprint reading and problem-solving.
• Ability to lead a team and meet production targets.

Responsibilities

• Perform machining on parts following blueprints and standard work; adjust for variations.
• Operate and troubleshoot machine cell automation.
• Conduct quality inspections and monitor data trends.
• Assist scheduling of manufacturing cells.
• Review machine analytics and RCCA to improve cycle time.
• Update team metrics and production goals.
• Set work cell priorities.
• Meet production targets daily/weekly/monthly.
• Resolve team issues using advanced problem solving.
• Escalate issues as needed.
• Lead team in problem solving activities.
• Do rework without standard work documents when required.
• Lead CI initiatives in quality, safety, velocity and cost.
• Maintain preventive maintenance and check machine parameters.
• Transport heavy loads using crane or pallet jack.
• Drive 5S and complete 5S audits.
• Lead safety investigations (5packs).
• Conduct Standard Work audits.
• Adhere to start-of-shift checklists.
• Cross-train and ensure operator training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Machining aptitude

Problem solving

Team leadership

Quality inspection

Education

HS Diploma or GED

2-5 years of experience and Technical Certifications

Job description

Work Location Options

• Winston Salem NC
• Region
• North Carolina
• 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

• Perform machining operations using standard work documents, blueprints, safe job procedures, and visual aids within Takt time. This will require extensive problem solving skills to properly assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process variations, process changes, engineering changes and part shortages;
• Operate and troubleshoot machine cell automation;
• Performs quality inspections, charts quality data. Monitor quality trends. This will require extensive problem solving skills to properly assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process variations, process changes, engineering changes and part shortages;
• Assist production supervisor in scheduling manufacturing cells;
• Review machine analytics and conduct RCCA to improve machine in-cycle time;
• Update team metrics and production goals;
• Determine work cell priorities;
• Meet daily/weekly/monthly production targets;
• Solve team problems using advanced problem solving techniques;
• Escalate issues to production supervisor as needed;
• Lead team in problem solving activities;
• Perform rework without standard work documents as needed;
• Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide feedback in areas of quality, safety, velocity, and cost;
• Maintain and conduct preventive maintenance on machines. Check air pressures, oil levels and perform minimal maintenance to correct issues;
• Transport very heavy loads with crane, power pusher, or electric pallet jack;
• Drive 5S adherence and complete 5S audits;
• Lead and participate in 5packs for safety investigations;
• Conduct Standard Work audits;
• Drive adherence to start-of-shift checklists;
• Cross train and ensure that operator training is conducted in a timely fashion;
• Other duties as assigned.

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.

Education / Training

• Requires HS Diploma or GED;
• 2-5 years of experience and Technical Certifications.

Qualifications and Experience

• PC literate, Blue Print Reading, Geometry and/or trigonometry experience required;
• Possess high level of Machining aptitude;
• Extensive problem solving skills required;
• Must be able to lead a team in a production environment;
• Must be a self-starter and ability to demonstrate strong initiative. Capable of interpreting technical instructions, dealing with large degrees of variation with part and process consistency while delivering the highest levels of quality components;
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working near moving mechanical parts, overhead cranes and lift truck traffic.

The physical demands described below

• Requires long periods of standing, reaching and using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls;
• Requires frequent walking up and down floor to platforms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl inside the product as required;
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds;
• Metatarsal safety shoes are required as well as safety glasses.

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.

Job Category

Production - Hourly

PRS Facility Location

Winston Salem, NC - 329