Systems Engineer - Advanced Rail Technology

Job Purpose

Progress Rail is seeking an experienced Product Owner/Systems Engineer III to support software development and deployment for the Advanced Rail Technology team in Fort Worth, TX

This position is responsible for ideation, specification, prioritization, implementation, and acceptance of product features in an Agile environment. The incumbent will be empowered and accountable to deliver innovative products for the rail industry market while working closely with leadership, clients, and technical teams to ensure product development aligns with business and technology outcomes. The ideal candidate will be strategic, innovative, and creative with a solid analytic foundation.

This is a full time position working in the Progress Rail Fort Worth, TX office and reports directly to the Director of ATO Software Engineering.

Req ID

11542BR

Work Location Options

Home based

City

Ft. Worth

State:

Texas

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

• System Architecture & Integration:
• Develop and execute system-level designs that integrate embedded software, real-time processing, cloud services, and multi-threaded components to create robust rail solutions.
• Collaborate with software engineers, hardware engineers, and network teams to ensure seamless integration of diverse system elements, such as embedded RTOS components and AWS-based cloud infrastructures.
• Requirements and Roadmap Execution
• Work closely with leadership, stakeholders, and technical teams to translate business and operational requirements into clear system specifications and integrated product roadmaps.
• Participate in Agile processes, including backlog refinement, sprint planning, and release planning, to ensure iterative development and continuous system improvement.
• Technical Oversight and Validation:
• Define, implement, and validate integration test plans and system performance metrics to meet rigorous rail industry safety, reliability, and compliance standards.
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of system integration, from ideation and specification through to acceptance and deployment, ensuring quality and adherence to technical standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Reporting:
• Act as a technical liaison between cross-functional teams, providing regular updates on system integration progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Author and manage technical documentation, including system design specifications, integration protocols, and performance reports.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
• Identify opportunities for system performance optimization and recommend design modifications to address evolving business needs and emerging technologies.
• Support the integration of energy management systems, cab electronics for real-time diagnostics, and Positive Train Control (PTC) to enhance safety and operational efficiency in rail applications.
  
  
  

Soft Skills

• Ability to work well in ambiguous situations
• Strong inter-relational abilities permitting viable and coordinated effort with developers, operations, and business
  
  
  

Education / Training

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, software engineering, from an ABET accredited university or college.
  
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 5 years of experience in systems design, integration, and testing, with a proven track record of working on complex, multi-component projects.
• Proven experience developing strategic system architecture plans using UML/SysML;
• *nix Environments– knowledge and experience with Unix/Linux platforms performing as functional embedded systems;
• Embedded systems– knowledge and experience with development of highly functional embedded systems;
• Proven experience identifying, analyzing and resolving system problems;
• Control systems- knowledge and experience with development of Control Systems;
• Conversant in software design and implementation;
• Solid understanding of information processing fundamentals and best practices;
• Above-average analytical, conceptual and troubleshooting abilities;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience conducting technology, trends, standards and products research;
• Self-starter, willing to take on whatever tasks are necessary to facilitate the design, implementation and testing of the systems;
• Solid track record in prioritizing and executing tasks when under pressure;
• Ability to function extremely well as a team member, at times conceding personal preferred solutions to those that make business, functional and strategic sense.
  
  
  

Preferred Credentials

• Some experience in a Product Owner role, ideally within technology-driven or industrial sectors.
• Familiarity with cloud services (AWS) and managing cloud infrastructure through code.
  
  
  

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.
  
  
  

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of a Systems 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

Leased Off - Fort Worth, TX - 397