Quality Engineer
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Progress Rail is seeking a Quality Engineer to partner with manufacturing, engineering, and program teams to drive quality system improvements and robust process controls across production environments in East Chicago, IN.
You will apply AIAG Core Tools, lead CAPAs, and support audits to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements while advancing continuous improvement initiatives in a rail manufacturing setting.
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.
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 CAPA activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Develop and maintain 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 requirements.
- Perform internal process and systems audits and support audits including AAR M-1003 and AAR MID.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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.
12235BR
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.
12235BR
East Chicago
Indiana
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.
- 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.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.
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.
- 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.
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.
Engineering
E. Chicago, IN Wheel Shop - 194
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