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Locomotive Welder

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Marshalltown, IA Intern
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/13/2026
Job Purpose

This position is responsible for operating various hand-welding and flame-cutting equipment to weld, fabricate or join work pieces together. Work involves safe use of various hand and power tools common to the welding trade along with various welding methods such as MIG or Stick

Req ID

11740BR

City

Marshalltown

State:

Iowa

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

  • Starting wage $24-25/hour dependent on skills and experience;
  • Position will work M-Th, 10 hour day shifts. Mandatory overtime as needed;
  • Pass internal welding certification in conjunction with requirements under ISO, AAR, and other regulatory agencies;
  • Retrieve materials assembled and weld into a finished product;
  • Set up components for welding according to specifications (e.g. cut material with powered saws to match measurements);
  • Operate angle grinders to prepare the parts that must be welded;
  • Interpret welding blueprints, assembly instructions, drawings, JSA’s, and bills of material;
  • Maintaining welding proficiency as required by Progress Rail QSP 4.9 as well as any applicable local and international standards;
  • Candidate must be able to accurately use measuring devices such as tape measures, scales, and calipers;
  • Must be able to measure and record the required inspection information;
  • Candidate must be able to use various hand tools as well as pneumatic and electric powered grinders and impact wrenches, as well as overhead cranes to transport components into and out of the work area;


Advanced duties and responsibilities

  • Mastery of various welds such as pipe weld, GMAW, SMAW, etc. in all positions;
  • Certification to a recognized welding standard such as AWS D1.1;
  • Perform single and multi-pass welds in all positions;
  • Ability to perform preventative and basic maintenance of weld machines and equipment; change out wire and gas bottles as needed;
  • Weld components using manual or semi-automatic welding equipment in various positions (vertical, horizontal or overhead);
  • Ability to train others;
  • Forklift certified;
  • Any other duties assigned


Education / Training

  • 3-6 years welding experience;
  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • Vocational / technical training and certification;


Qualifications And Experience

  • Prior welding or grinder experience preferred;
  • Ability to multitask and work with minimal supervision;
  • Must be able to read and write legibly;
  • Strong attention to detail with ability to inspect work using measuring devices;
  • Must be quality oriented and a team player;
  • Must have complete understanding of safe work practices;
  • Specific site qualifications and progression may apply, consult with local team;
  • Skill Level I - < 1-year experience, or no previous experience as a welder;
  • Skill Level II – 1-2 year of experience as a welder;
  • Skill Level III – 2-3 years of experience as a welder, certification in GMAW and FCAW preferred. Technical certifications can substitute for experience;
  • Skill Level IV – 4-5 years of experience as a certified welder. Additional SMAW welding certifications preferred;
  • Skill Level V – 5 years of experience as a certified welder with all previous certifications

  • Essential And Physical Activities Functions

    • Strength – Position requires lifting up to 50 lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and


    confined spaces;

    • Motion – Position requires the ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms


    and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, reaching, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and

    kneeling. Position requires remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods. Position requires

    working from heights exceeding 6 ft. off the ground with proper PPE and fall protection;

    • Vision/Hearing Requirements – Position is exposed to UV and reflected radiation from a welding arc or


    torch. Position is exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. The use of proper PPE is

    required. The position requires the ability to read written instruction and understand both verbal and

    written instructions;

    • Work Environment – Position can be located inside or outside dependent on situation. When inside the


    employees are subject to temperature extremes in non-temperature-controlled environments. When

    outside employees are subject to all weather elements;

    • Emotional Demands – Employee is expected to work and cooperate as part of a team in order to meet


    production requirements;

    • Safety – Position is safety sensitive as it requires working in and around live tracks and operation and


    repair of heavy equipment. Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e. blue flag) and use of

    all required PPE.

    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

    EMD Marshalltown, IA - 405

    Salary : $24 - $25

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