Welder/Grinder

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Boaz (AL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

PTO

Employee Assistance Plan

Education Assistance Program

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, Boaz, AL, is seeking a skilled production worker to recondition couplers and components in a safety‑driven environment. You will operate air‑powered grinders, load materials, and assist in quality checks to ensure compliance with AAR and customer specifications.

Welding experience and the ability to read gauges are essential, with weekend and overtime availability expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prior Welding Experience and/or Certification.
• Ability to communicate in English (reading/writing).
• 24+ months of experience operating torch, impact, or mig welding tools.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to read precision instruments and gauges.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and meet standards.
• Ability to wear a respirator.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain air supplied grinder.
• Load and unload machines with material.
• Grind & buff material in preparation for additional processes.
• Gage and test material for compliance.
• Complete daily production reports and inspections of equipment.
• Safely operate Hoist and maintain inspections forms.
• Operate overhead cranes and mobile equipment.
• Work weekends and overtime as required.
• Demonstrate ability to work in a self-directed team environment.

Skills

Welding experience

Mechanical aptitude

Read gauges

Reading & writing English

Education

High School Diploma

Welding certification

Tools

Torch welding tool

Mig welding

Impact wrench

Job description

Job Purpose

Reports directly to and works under the supervision of a Production Supervisor. Operates various machines as part of the production process to recondition couplers and complete various components according to AAR and customer requirements.

Req ID

12256BR

City

Boaz

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

• Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with PRS safety and quality policies;
• Safely operate and maintain air supplied grinder. (Adding Oil, Changing out grinding rocks/discs, RPM checks, etc.);
• Monitor work to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements;
• Remove worn components;
• Load and unload machines with material;
• Grind & buff material in preparation for additional processes;
• Gage and test material for compliance;
• Complete daily production reports and perform daily inspection of equipment;
• Safely operate Hoist and maintain inspections forms;
• Perform all duties and responsibilities within time standards allowed;
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a self-directed team based environment.

Education / Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Prior Welding Experience and/or Certification is required.

Qualifications And Experience

• Ability to communicate effectively to include reading and writing in English;
• 24+ months of experience operating torch, impact, or mig welding tools;
• Mechanical aptitude;
• Read precision instruments and gauges;
• Ability to work in a fast pace production environment and meet / exceed standards set by company;
• Understand technical drawings and work instructions;
• Capable use of hand and power tools, including pneumatic tools on a daily basis;
• Work around and operate overhead cranes and mobile equipment;
• Work on varied surfaces (concrete floors, gravel, dirt);
• Constant standing, walking, bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, overhead reaching;
• Visual acuity;
• Push/pull up to 150 lbs and carry up to 85 lbs;
• Work weekends and overtime as required;
• Ability to wear a respirator.

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

Production - Hourly

PRS Facility Location

Boaz, AL Parts Reclamation - 003