Eng, Sr Manufacturing-Product

5-7+ years of experience in manufacturing processes, assembly sequence, production planning, and related activities, with a focus on design, materials, R&D, tool design, and manufacturing build sequence, preferably in the rail or other heavy manufacturing industry This role bridges manufacturing and product engineering by ensuring that product requirements, production methods, and equipment capabilities are aligned for efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective operations.

PRS Facility Location
Alorton, IL Trackwork Plant - 230
Job Purpose
The Sr. Manufacturing & Product Engineer coordinates, organizes, and directs all engineering activities involved in manufacturing parts from routings through to shipping. This role bridges manufacturing and product engineering by ensuring that product requirements, production methods, and equipment capabilities are aligned for efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective operations.

The position analyzes current production processes, develops improved manufacturing setups, and supports and drives the specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and tooling. This position provides technical support for new product introductions, design changes, and continuous improvement initiatives - with a direct responsibility for shop floor efficiency and profitability.
Req ID
11933BR
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.
Education / Training
• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software) or combination of other degree plus relevant experience; thorough understanding of baseline engineering principles required.
Job Title
Manufacturing Process Engineering Leader
City
Alorton
Key Job Elements
Production Analysis & Process Optimization
• Observe, document, and analyze current production setups, workflows, and equipment utilization.
• Identify inefficiencies, constraints, and improvement opportunities using structured problem solving and data driven methods.
• Develop improved manufacturing layouts, tooling concepts, and process flows to increase throughput, quality, and safety.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Equipment Specification, Ordering & Commissioning
• Define equipment and tooling requirements based on process needs, product specifications, and capacity targets.
• Support procurement activities, including vendor evaluations, technical reviews, and cost/benefit analyses.
• Coordinate installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and tooling.
• Ensure equipment reliability and maintainability through collaboration with maintenance and controls engineering.

Product-Process Integration
• Work with product engineering to ensure manufacturability of new and existing designs.
• Participate in design reviews, providing input on tooling, assembly sequence, tolerances, and production feasibility.
• Support engineering changes, documentation updates, and release of technical data.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting
• Investigate equipment, tooling, and process failures; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide hands on support during pilot builds, production trials, and new product introductions.
• Collaborate with suppliers, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve production and quality issues.

Documentation & Training
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, training materials, and equipment manuals.
• Create routings, process sheets, and standard work to ensure consistent production execution.

Project & Stakeholder Management
• Develop project plans for process changes, equipment installations, and improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross functional stakeholders to ensure alignment on scope, timing, and deliverables.
• Track project performance and report progress to leadership.
Qualifications and Experience
• 5-7+ years of experience in manufacturing processes, assembly sequence, production planning, and related activities, with a focus on design, materials, R&D, tool design, and manufacturing build sequence, preferably in the rail or other heavy manufacturing industry