Demo

Switchman

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Alliance, NE Full Time
POSTED ON 6/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/25/2026
Job Purpose

Switcher is responsible for the safe and precise movement of railcars, locomotives and other rail equipment in the facility and rail yard. Operates track switches and relays communication affecting the movement of such equipment.

Req ID

12063BR

Work Location Options

Alliance

City

Alliance

State:

Nebraska

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

  • Communicate by radio with operator, ground man, supervisors/lead;
  • Operation of track switches;
  • Read and understand written and oral work instructions;
  • Able to prioritize workload based on shop needs;
  • Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with PRS safety policies.


Education / Training

  • Mechanical aptitude;
  • Read precision instruments and gauges;
  • Read and understand technical drawings and blueprints;
  • Proven ability to work safely with minimal supervision;
  • Able to complete work functions with minimal direction;
  • Previous experience of ATV operation;
  • Must have strong communication skills;
  • Able to work a variety of weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, and / or humidity;
  • Work on varied surfaces (concrete floors, gravel, rail car floors).


Qualifications And Experience

  • Couple/uncouple freight cars;
  • Lace and apply air brakes to cars;
  • Pull inbound rail cars and push outbound rail cars;
  • Throw switches to change direction of tracks;
  • Apply hand brakes to cars;
  • Thoroughly complete inbound sheets;
  • Maintain weeds in and around rail yard by mowing and/or spraying with push or hand trimmer, deck mower operated by tractor or ATV, and ATV sprayer;
  • Perform preventative maintenance on the locomotive and track.


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

Alliance, NE Freight Car Rep - 083

Salary.com Estimation for Switchman in Alliance, NE
$105,100 to $134,526
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Switchman?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Switchman career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$113,490 - $151,883
Income Estimation: 
$150,653 - $202,236
Income Estimation: 
$44,082 - $57,709
Income Estimation: 
$54,949 - $68,457
Income Estimation: 
$49,707 - $66,695
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company

  • Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Mayfield, KY
  • Job Purpose The Plant Controller works as a strategic business partner with site management to manage business in accordance with laws and regulations rela... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Albertville, AL
  • Job Purpose IT Support Specialist role is to provide support in order to drive operational efficiency. ITSS is responsible for assisting customers with tec... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Muncie, IN
  • Job Purpose Responsible for the planning , implementation, and coordination of all Quality Management Systems program for assigned divisions. Establish and... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Bridgeport, NE
  • Job Purpose Removal, fabrication, fitment and welding of railcar parts, components and structures. Weekend Shift Starting pay at $21.00/hr - Opportunity to... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Switchman jobs in the Alliance, NE area that may be a better fit.

  • Genesee & Wyoming Main Job Board Cheyenne, WY
  • Company / Benefits Overview: Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a leg... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Cheyenne, WY
  • Job Details Description Company / Benefits Overview: Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G... more
  • 17 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!