Project Manager, Locomotive

Job Purpose

The Project Manager is a member of the Project Management Office and is responsible for leading locomotive design and build projects that are large in scope and complexity. This includes managing multiple concurrent efforts across Locomotive Builds, Research and Development, Rebuild and Repower, Aftermarket, and Power Products—ranging from small-scale initiatives to New Product Introduction (NPI).

The Project Manager oversees all phases of the project lifecycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, team coordination, stakeholder communication, and documentation to ensure successful project delivery aligned with contractual and organizational goals.

The Project Manager collaborates with senior leadership to ensure transparency regarding project health, scope, and direction, and works cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, operations, and customer-facing teams. The ideal candidate demonstrates entrepreneurial problem-solving skills and a proven ability to manage complex, capital-intensive projects.

Req ID

11140BR

City

La Grange

State:

Illinois

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

Initiating

• Manage multiple projects across Locomotive Builds, R&D, Rebuild and Repower, Aftermarket, and Power Products, ranging in scope from small-scale efforts to New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Define and communicate project scope, goals, and deliverables, engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  
  

Planning

• Lead the development of comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
• Organize, structure, and manage project teams to meet the specific needs of each project.
• Ensure thorough scoping of each project and proactively manage changes to contract scope or deliverables.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to minimize project risks.
  
  
  

Executing

• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Communicate project status regularly to internal teams and external customers, as defined by the contract.
• Ensure all contractual deliverables are met with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
  
  
  

Monitoring & Controlling

• Monitor and control project costs; manage the overall project budget effectively.
• Apply appropriate verification techniques to manage changes in scope, schedule, and cost.
• Measure project performance using established systems, tools, and techniques.
• Report and escalate issues to senior management as needed, including participation in Stage Gate and Project Review presentations.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential issues; facilitate corrective actions with team members prior to escalation.
  
  
  

Closing

• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation throughout the lifecycle and upon project completion.
  
  
  

Miscellaneous / Other Responsibilities

• Accept special assignments as directed by leadership.
• Travel as required to fulfill project duties (20–30%).
• Contribute to team development and mentoring of junior staff when applicable.
  
  
  

Education / Training

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Business, Engineering, Project Management or equivalent.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Project) and scheduling software (Primavera or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience on capital intensive, highly engineered, long life cycle product lines.
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Masters in Engineering, Operations, or Business.
• Exposure to ERP systems.
• CAPM certified preferred.
• PMP certified highly preferred.
• Locomotive industry knowledge preferred.
  
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage people, projects, and programs in a matrix environment
• Ability to influence and lead across organizational levels.
• High analytical ability to assess and facilitate alternative courses of action.
• Strong attention to detail; ability to multitask and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated understanding of locomotive products and systems.
  
  
  

Essential And Physical Activities Functions

• Strength – Position typically involves work in an office environment with occasional visits to an industrial environment. Frequent/constant sitting. Occasional standing and walking. Occasional light to medium- level lifting or carrying (up to 50 pounds);
• Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with working in an office environment. Depending on assigned project, position may occasionally require motions involved in an industrial working environment, including some low to intense levels of pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching, grasping;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Frequent verbal communications, including both talking and hearing;
• Work Environment – Position is typically located in an office environment with occasional visits to an industrial environment which may include a non-temperature-controlled environment, as well as exposure to noise (85 decibels), occasional exposure to temperature changes, heavy machinery and other hazardous working conditions requiring the use of PPE. Position may require travel as necessary, both domestic and international;
• Emotional Demands – Very high level of responsibility. Must be able to coordinate diverse aspects of a project. Requires significant interpersonal skills while sustaining very high standards;
• Safety – Position may occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment during visits to industrial areas.
  
  
  

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

Engineering

PRS Facility Location

EMD HQ LaGrange, IL - 400

Summary Pay Range

$77,069.75 - $139,668.00