Software Test Engineer

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with up to 6% companymatch

Health insurance

Dental/ Vision/ Life/ Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Education Assistance Program

Relocation and Sign-on Bonus programs

Job summary

Progress Rail is seeking a Test Engineer to lead test development and execution across legacy systems and next‑generation hardware, embedded firmware, and application software.

You will partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to implement robust test strategies for product characterization, verification/validation, and production testing of PCB assemblies, modules, and systems used in rail signaling and communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years experience in electronics, embedded systems, or manufacturing test.
• Hands-on in test verification/validation planning, execution, analysis, reporting.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Lab Windows/CVI, ANSI C/C++, Python or similar test tooling.
• Experience with PCBA/ electro-mechanical test processes and fixture development.

Responsibilities

• Define test strategy and requirements early in development to support quality and productivity goals.
• Develop and execute test plans, cases, scripts, and procedures for embedded systems and production tests.
• Design and document manual and automated test programs, fixtures, and setups for manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align requirements, schedules, and test coverage.
• Manage day-to-day manufacturing test issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Embedded systems

Electronics

Manufacturing test

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline

Tools

LabVIEW

Lab Windows/CVI

ANSI C/C++

Python

Job 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.

Job Purpose

Progress Rail is seeking a Test Engineer to lead test development and execution across both legacy systems and next-generation hardware, embedded firmware, and application software. This role partners with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to define and implement robust test strategies for product characterization, verification/validation, and production testing of printed circuit assemblies, modules, and systems used in rail signaling and communications products. The Test Engineer will serve as a technical liaison at the manufacturing site, ensuring test readiness, uptime, quality, and continuous improvement activities align with business objectives.

Key Job Elements

• Define test strategy and testability requirements early in product development to support quality, manufacturability, and productivity goals.
• Develop and execute test plans, test cases, scripts, and procedures for embedded systems, firmware, and production test environments.
• Design, develop, implement, and document manual and automated test programs, fixtures, and setups for the manufacturing team.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to align requirements, schedules, and test coverage.
• Manage day‑to‑day manufacturing test concerns to maintain uptime and resolve line‑impacting issues quickly.
• Provide troubleshooting, recurring issue detection, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for test failures and yield losses.
• Analyze test data and trends to improve coverage, yield, and process capability, drive prevention of manufacturing test escapes.
• Support verification and validation activities, including functional, regression, and environmental stress screening (temperature, humidity, vibration/shock, etc.).
• Create and maintain work instructions, test standards, and test fixture revisions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem‑solving and statistical tools.

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience in electronics, embedded systems, or manufacturing test.
• Hands‑on experience with test verification and validation planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience developing test solutions using one or more of the following programs: LabVIEW, Lab Windows/CVI, ANSI C/C++, Python, or similar test automation/scripting tools.
• Experience in PCBA/electro‑mechanical product test processes, including fixture development and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers, hardware‑software interaction.
• Strong analytical/problem‑solving skills and ability to perform root cause investigations independently.
• Experience with version control and defect tracking systems.
• Strong communication, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with Design for Test (DFT) methodologies and implementation.
• Demonstrated use of AI tools to improve engineering productivity, analysis, or documentation quality.
• Familiarity with QNX and Windows‑based development/test environments.
• Experience with environmental stress and pre‑screen testing methods (temperature, humidity, shock / vibration, etc.).
• Experience in ISO 9001‑compliant environments.
• Project management experience with ability to manage multiple priorities.

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.**

• 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 Information

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.