Production Assistant I

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company

Albertville (AL)

On-site

USD 24,796 - 33,062

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

401(k) plan with company match

PTO

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is seeking a Production Assistant to lead a shift of machining and repair operations. You will supervise output, set team priorities, and act as a troubleshooter to interpret technical instructions while maintaining high quality.

Essentially, you will drive continuous improvement, lead 5S and safety initiatives, and coordinate with other departments to ensure timely production and accurate material handling.

Qualifications

3+ years of machining experience and high-level performance; vocational training or technical certifications in welding/CNC/manual machining or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Oversee shift production with supervision support and ensure output meets standards.
Schedule manufacturing cells and production lines; adjust priorities as needed.
Lead safety meetings and 5S practices; monitor machine performance and output.
Escalate issues to supervisor and coordinate with quality for inspections.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure material accountability.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

5S knowledge

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Job description

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

Work Location Options

Albertville, AL

City

Albertville

State

Alabama

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

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, etc.;
Safety focused;
Prefer candidates with previous experience working in a continuous improvement culture of Lean manufacturing and 5S;
Knowledge of Quality Management Systems, ISO 9001.

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.

Qualifications And Experience

Essential and Physical Activities Functions:

Climate controlled, indoor environment,
Strength – Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs., and push and pull up to 35-50 lbs
Motion – Constant walking, frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeing, squatting and overhead reaching and climbing ladders
Vision/Hearing Requirements – Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms
Safety – Employee must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE. Included but not limited to metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, aprons, ear protection, etc

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.