Operator I, Machine

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Peru (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Job summary

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, is seeking a Machine Operator in Peru, IN. The role focuses on setting up and operating multiple machining processes, monitoring output quality, and performing basic maintenance to ensure safe, efficient production.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, following work orders, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace. Training may be provided for advanced duties and forklift certification is a possibility.

Qualifications

• Experience operating machine shop equipment and reading blueprints.
• Ability to perform basic maintenance and detect defects.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and PPE usage.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned machinery, monitor efficiency, and perform quality checks.
• Set up and operate machines according to work orders.
• Read blueprints or job orders to determine specifications.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the work area.
• Report issues and assist in maintenance as needed.

Skills

Machine operation

Quality checks

Blueprint reading

Machinery setup

Safety procedures

Maintenance basics

Education

Skill Level I – <1 year experience

Skill Level II – 1 year experience or Technical Degree

Skill Level III – 2-4 years experience or Technical Certifications

Skill Level IV – 4-5 years experience

Skill Level V – >5 years experience

Tools

Blueprints

Job description

Job Purpose

Machine operators’ set-up, operate, and maintain machinery, usually in a manufacturing setting. They are responsible for ensuring the maintaining the machine and that it produces high quality products at or above capacity.

Work Location Options

Peru

City

Peru

State

Indiana

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

• A Machine Operator operates assigned machinery, monitors and optimizing efficiency, does basic maintenance to machines and performs quality checks;
• Performs all assigned machine shop operations;
• Set up and operates machines;
• Observe machine operations, detect work piece defects and make adjustments to machinery when necessary to improve performance;
• Operate machinery and equipment according to work instructions;
• Troubleshoot issues and perform routine and minor maintenance. Submit work orders for the maintenance requirements;
• Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specification and tooling instructions;
• Follows reporting and recordkeeping procedures, and report problems to supervisor;
• Clean machinery and maintain cleanliness in work area;
• Detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions to management;
• Maintains the work area and equipment in a clean, orderly condition and follows prescribed safety procedures;
• Assists in other work areas as needed and directed by the department supervisor.

Advanced duties and responsibilities

• Operate multiple machines simultaneously;
• Train others on the proper set and operation of machines in a safe and efficient manner;
• Forklift certified.

Education / Training

• Skill Level I – <1 year experience;
• Skill Level II – 1 year of experience or Technical Degree;
• Skill Level III – 2-4 years of experience or Specific Experience or Technical Certifications;
• Skill Level IV – 4-5 years of experience, Technical or specific experience;
• Skill Level V – >5 years of experience, Technical or specific experience.

Qualifications And Experience

• Prior work experience relevant to the position;
• Basic mathematical skills and proficiency in reading a tape measure;
• Read and interpret blueprints;
• Mechanical and technical aptitude and capacity.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

• Strength – Ability to lift up to 35lbs repeatedly;
• Motion – Employee will stand for majority of the shift, will kneel, squat and climb step multiple times throughout the day;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Must be able to hear and see parts as they are machined, looking and listening for deficiencies and machinery malfunctions. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and nonverbally;
• Work Environment – The majority of the time will be indoors, in non-temperature-controlled environments. Position is exposed to oils, lubricants and other substances used in the machining process;
• Emotional Demands – Position requires employees to be vigilant to ensure safety of everyone in the area. Requires decisions on the proper operation of machine;
• Safety – Position is a safety sensitive position. Position requires following all safety procedures, policies and PPE requirements such that include hand, head, eye, hand, ear and foot protection.

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

Peru, IN (Life Rd) Loco Cmpts - 429