Production Assistant I

Progress Rail Services Corp.; Alabama; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Progress Rail Services Corp. in Albertville, AL is seeking a Production Assistant I to supervise machining teams, coordinate shift workloads, and ensure on-time delivery of quality components. You will guide operators, monitor performance data, and support problem solving across production cells.

The role requires 3+ years of machining experience, ability to interpret technical instructions, and strong teamwork to meet customer order requirements in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of machining experience and high-level performance.
• Vocational training or certifications in welding/CNC/manual machining.
• Experience with PRS manufacturing processes or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide supervisory support for production employees using standard work documents, blueprints, safe job procedures.
• Assist production supervisor in scheduling manufacturing cells, lines, and machining centers.
• Lead shift safety meetings and stretches; participate in audits and investigations.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure materials accountability and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support 5S and workplace organization.

Skills

Multi-project management

Continuous improvement

5S adherence

Problem-solving

Education

Machining experience

Tools

Forklift operation

Overhead cranes

Pallet jack

Job description

12118BR

PRS Facility Location:

Albertville, AL Recycling - 002

Job Purpose:

Leads entire shift of manufacturing employees and/or department or production lines in machining and repair operations with responsibility for problem solving and escalation needed to meet customer order requirements. The Production Assistant will be responsible for both overseeing shift output of all machining centers and setting team priorities to meet production needs. Will serve as troubleshooter and problem solver to the employees for interpreting technical instructions, dealing with large degrees of variation with part and process consistency while delivering the highest levels of quality components.

Req ID:

12118BR

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.

Education / Training:

• Skill Level - 3+ years of machining experience and high-level performance, vocational training, proven experience in PRS manufacturing processes and/or technical certifications in welding/CNC/manual machining or a combination of listed experience and education.

Job Title:

Production Assistant I

City:

Albertville

Key Job Elements:

• Oversee and provide supervisory support for the production employees using standard work documents, blueprints, safe job procedures, and other resources;
• Assist production supervisor in scheduling manufacturing cells, production lines, machining centers, etc.;
• Participate in and lead shift safety meeting and stretches;
• Transport very heavy loads with crane, power pusher, or electric pallet jack;
• Update team metrics and production goals, complete pass down for management;
• Review machine analytics and employee output to make necessary improvements and changes to improve efficiency;
• Update team metrics and production goals;
• Determine work cell priorities;
• Escalate issues to production supervisor as needed;
• Conduct product audits/inspections after production has completed their operations to see if the unit meets customer specifications;
• Detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions or findings to management and QA;
• Additional duties as assigned. Interact and communicate in a professional manner with all supporting functions and personnel;

Advanced duties and responsibilities:

• 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;
• May at times maintain and conduct preventive maintenance on machines. Check air pressures, oil levels and perform minimal maintenance to correct issues to assist operators;
• Must be able to lead a team in a production environment;
• Drive 5S adherence and complete 5S audits;
• Lead and participate in audits and/or safety investigations;
• Conduct Standard Work audits;
• Drive adherence to start -of-shift checklists for equipment and safety;
• Cross train and ensure that operator training is conducted in a timely fashion;
• 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;
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure accountability for all materials;
• Coordinate with the quality department on all items needing inspection, and support the process as required;

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Drive implementation of continuous improvement activities;
• Demonstrates mastery understanding of end-to-end manufacturing processes;
• Ability to meet physical requirements such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods;
• Document control processes and procedures;
• Collaborate and interact effectively with a variety of other team members;
• Problem-solving abilities; identifying process problems and non-conformances;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel;
• Experience using warehouse equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, e