Quality Engineer

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Albertville (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Education Assistance

Job summary

Progress Rail in Albertville, AL is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to partner with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and improve quality systems and process controls. You will lead root cause investigations, CAPA activities, and quality audits while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

The role requires strong knowledge of AIAG Core Tools, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, and statistical analysis, with a focus on reducing risk and enhancing product quality for rail

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology or related field.
• Experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, quality management or manufacturing quality in industrial manufacturing.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with quality management systems and process control methodologies.
• Knowledge of AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, PFMEA/FMEA, MSA, SPC) and structured problem-solving methodologies (5 Whys, Ishikawa, 8D, DMAIC).
• Proficiency with data analysis and reporting in Microsoft Excel.

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 root cause investigations and CAPA activities using structured problem-solving.
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs, control plans, inspection methods, and testing protocols.
• Collect, analyze, and report quality data using statistical tools.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and process evaluations for compliance.
• Lead or support quality audits and supplier quality activities.

Skills

Quality engineering

Quality assurance

Quality management

Manufacturing processes

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

MSA

SPC

Job description

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

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:

5 Whys
Fishbone (Ishikawa) Analysis
8D
DMAIC
Pareto Analysis

• Knowledge of statistical analysis, process capability studies, and quality data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel functions for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rail, heavy industrial, steel, machining, automotive, or other manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with AAR standards, wheel shop operations, and railroad manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Lead Auditor certification (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or M-1003).
• Experience conducting internal and external quality audits.
• Experience with reliability engineering, equipment qualification, and advanced inspection technologies.

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
Engineering
PRS Facility Location
Albertville, AL (PRSC Corp HQ) - 001