Manufacturing Process Engineer

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, in St. Louis, MO, seeks a Manufacturing & Process Engineer to coordinate engineering activities, optimize manufacturing setups, and ensure product requirements align with production methods. With 5-7 years in rail manufacturing, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s in Engineering and possess strong analytical and technical skills. This role includes responsibilities in process optimization, troubleshooting, and cross-functional stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience in manufacturing processes, assembly sequence, and production planning focusing on the rail industry.
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes, quality control procedures.
• Basic welding knowledge and ability to read and create technical prints.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current production setups and develop improved manufacturing layouts.
• Support procurement activities and vendor evaluations.
• Investigate equipment/process failures and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Process optimization

Analytical skills

Technical communication

Lean manufacturing principles

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP/LN

AutoCAD

CATIA

SolidWorks

CNC programming

Job description

The Manufacturing & Process Engineer coordinates, organizes, and directs all engineering activities involved in manufacturing parts from routings through to shipping. This role bridges manufacturing and product engineering by ensuring that product requirements, production methods, and equipment capabilities are aligned for efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective operations.

The engineer analyzes current production processes, develops improved manufacturing setups, and supports and drives the specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and tooling. This position provides technical support for new product introductions, design changes, and continuous improvement initiatives — with a direct responsibility for shop floor efficiency and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Production Analysis & Process Optimization

• Observe, document, and analyze current production setups, workflows, and equipment utilization.
• Identify inefficiencies, constraints, and improvement opportunities using structured problem-solving and data-driven methods.
• Develop improved manufacturing layouts, tooling concepts, and process flows to increase throughput, quality, and safety.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Review predictive maintenance data, develop action plans, and manage the spare parts program to improve shop floor productivity.
• Define equipment and tooling requirements based on process needs, product specifications, and capacity targets.
• Support procurement activities including vendor evaluations, technical reviews, and cost/benefit analyses.
• Coordinate installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and tooling.
• Ensure equipment reliability and maintainability through collaboration with maintenance and controls engineering.
• Procure required operational items (gauges, stands, tools, cabinets, hoists, etc.) and coordinate subcontractor and service representative activities.

Product–Process Integration

• Work with product engineering to ensure manufacturability of new and existing designs.
• Participate in design reviews, providing input on tooling, assembly sequence, tolerances, and production feasibility.
• Support engineering changes, documentation updates, and release of technical data.
• Create routings for parts released through design engineering to ensure smooth shop floor flow.
• Collaborate with design engineering and quality assurance to develop procedures ensuring high-quality parts meet customer expectations.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Investigate equipment, tooling, and process failures; perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide hands-on support during pilot builds, production trials, and new product introductions.
• Collaborate with suppliers, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve production and quality issues.
• Provide electrical controls engineering and technical support to manufacturing operations.

Documentation & Training

• Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, training materials, and equipment manuals.
• Create routings, process sheets, and standard work to ensure consistent production execution.
• Assist in developing quality manuals and other documentation to train employees on equipment and best practices.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Develop project plans for process changes, equipment installations, and improvement initiatives, including long-range improvement planning.
• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment on scope, timing, and deliverables.
• Track project performance and report progress to leadership.
• Support expansion efforts related to facility, products, and equipment.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software); thorough understanding of baseline engineering principles required. A Master’s degree may be required or offset with relevant experience.
• 5–7+ years of experience in manufacturing processes, assembly sequence, production planning, and related activities, with a focus on design, materials, R&D, tool design, and manufacturing build sequence in the rail industry.
• Background in Composites and or material science is desirable
• Thorough knowledge of work measurement techniques, manufacturing and assembly processes, and quality control procedures.
• Ability to read, understand, and create technical prints; hands-on machining and fabrication background; high-level experience interpreting 2D drawings.
• Basic welding knowledge to determine correct build sequences.
• SAP/LN or equivalent MRP knowledge; ability to write and read G-code; proficiency with CAD/CAM software (AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D modeling tools); CNC programming knowledge; proficiency with PLCs, electrical controls, and industrial hydraulic systems.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with Association of American Railroads (AAR) specifications, regional industry standards, and ISO requirements is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to create detailed specifications, procedures, and technical reports; skilled mediator able to negotiate technical solutions with domestic and international customers and design partners.
• High level of interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment; ability to manage, plan, and evaluate the work of others.
• Strong proficiency with MS Office tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).