Demo

Staff Engineer

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
La Grange, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 8/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/7/2026
Job Purpose

Progress Rail Locomotive in LaGrange, IL is hiring a Staff Engineer in the Engine Systems Integration Team. In this role, you will be responsible for engine system project management for New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programs. This includes engine system design, component design and validation, project management, manufacturing support and cost evaluation. This role will be working closely with internal engineering partners, product support, supply chain and manufacturing facilities.

Req ID

11940BR

Work Location Options

LaGrange

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

  • New product design and development of engine system layouts including project planning, part design, systems integration, procurement of test bed and prototype iron, validation planning, and production implementation.
  • Collaborate with internal process partners on technical, commercial, and program issues.
  • Resolution and support of CPI and BIQ (Built-In Quality) issues.
  • Technical support to the manufacturing teams at Progress Rail facilities.
  • Interface with suppliers to improve quality while developing effective working relationships.
  • Support cost reduction efforts with emphasis on value adjusted cost effectiveness.


Education/Training :

  • Bachelor degree with a major in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent training/experience.


Education / Training

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.


Qualifications And Experience

  • This is not an entry level position. The incumbent will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the product design, and 10 years’ experience
  • Project Leadership: CPI, NPI, CPPD, APQP, 6 Sigma and design releasing experience
  • Product Diversity: Working knowledge of engines and how they are used in Locomotive, Marine and power generation.
  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Proficiency with 3D Modelling and engineering drawings, including experience using Teamcenter Engineering to release product designs
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Applied structural design and analysis knowledge (GD&T, FEA) and on-machine testing experience to identify and resolve engineering issues.
  • Effective Communication: Collaborated across time zones with cross-functional, multi-cultural teams, leveraging strong interpersonal and communication skills.


Top Candidates Will Have:

  • Hands-on experience in product development
  • Experience with complex systems such as engines, transmissions or axles.
  • CPI, NPI, CPPD, APQP, 6 Sigma and design releasing experience
  • Experience creating and championing structured processes when needed.
  • Excellent communication skills


Essential and Physical Activities Functions:

  • Strength – Position typically involves work in an office environment with occasional visits to an industrial environment. Frequent sitting. Occasional standing and walking. Occasional light to medium-level lifting (up to 30 pounds);
  • Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with working in an office environment;
  • 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;
  • 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 – This is not a safety sensitive position, but may occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment during visits to industrial areas.


The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of an Associate Engineer.

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

$101,487.96 - $183,958.00

Salary : $101,488 - $183,958

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