Quality Engineer

Progress Rail Services Corp.; Albertville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Progress Rail Services Corp. in Albertville, Alabama, is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to partner with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and operations to develop, implement, and improve quality systems and process controls that ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.

The role leads root cause investigations, CAPA activities, and data-driven improvement projects, supports new product launches, and drives lean initiatives to enhance OEE, MTBF, and overall process reliability

Qualifications

• Experience in quality engineering within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with quality management systems and process control methodologies.
• Knowledge of AIAG Core Tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operations, and program teams to resolve quality and production issues.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality systems, procedures, work instructions, and standard work.
• Lead and support root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Develop, maintain, and improve PFMEAs, control plans, inspection methods, and testing protocols.
• Collect, interpret, analyze, and report quality and process performance data using statistical tools.
• Lead or support Gauge R&R studies and SPC activities.

Skills

Quality engineering

Quality assurance

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

CAPA

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA/FMEA

MSA

SPC

Job description

12234BR

Job Purpose:

Quality Engineer partners with cross-functional teams and customers to develop, implement, and improve quality systems and process controls that ensure product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. The role applies quality engineering tools, data analysis, auditing, and problem-solving methods to drive continuous improvement, reduce risk, and enhance manufacturing performance. Senior Quality Engineers provide technical leadership and lead complex quality initiatives aligned with business and customer requirements.

Req ID:

12234BR

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:

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operations, and program teams to resolve quality and production issues.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality systems, procedures, work instructions, and standard work supporting quality manual and procedural requirements.
• Lead and support root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Develop, maintain, and improve process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, control plans, inspection methods, and testing protocols.
• Collect, interpret, analyze, and report quality and process performance data using quality control and statistical tools.
• Utilize quality tools such as control charts, Pareto analysis, process flowcharts, matrix diagrams, and statistical analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and process evaluations to ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform internal process and systems audits and support third‑party audits, including AAR M-1003 and AAR MID audit requirements when applicable.
• Lead corrective action activities resulting from customer concerns, audit findings, and operational quality issues.
• Support equipment and process qualification activities, including verification, validation, process capability studies, and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Lead or support Gauge R&R studies and statistical process control (SPC) activities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance teams to improve process reliability, maintainability, OEE, MTBF, and MTTF performance.
• Support new product launches, process changes, and implementation of quality requirements.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects, Kaizen events, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Evaluate and implement new inspection technologies, measurement systems, and quality improvement solutions.
• Maintain quality documentation and records in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Serve as a quality engineering resource and provide technical guidance on quality systems, process controls, risk management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external customers and support resolution of customer quality concerns.

Education / Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required Qualifications

• Experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, quality management, or manufacturing quality within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with quality management systems and process control methodologies.
• Working knowledge of AIAG Core Tools, including:

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA/FMEA

MSA

SPC

• Experience applying structured problem‑solving methodologies such as:
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