Demo

Staff Engineer

Progress Rail
La Grange, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 12/15/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/15/2026

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to contribute to the design, development and manufacturing of world class rail products and services vital to our customer’s needs through the application of specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. Work involves independent judgement, decision making, and creativity. Management is available to provide additional guidance for unusual situations.

Req ID

11379BR

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

  • Lead engineering projects including the Development of Rotating Component Specifications, Component Designs, and Component Simulations for Traction system components utilizing DC and AC Voltage induction motors
  • Develop comprehensive project plans and technical systematic solutions for Rotating Component development projects; responsible for component performance.
  • Lead Product Reliability Improvement projects, utilize reliability tools and technical expertise to identify root cause and development solutions for field application issues and general component robustness updates.
  • Define, Perform, Analyze, and Report on simulation and Validation Testing of Rotating Components; Motors and Generators / Alternators

  • Lead Technical Team and coordinate Design Reviews on development of Rotating components and other power devices with Traction System Design Control
  • Company subject matter expert responsible for providing production and ongoing expertise for specification, design, and development of assigned components; provide guidance on design iterations
  • Develop documentation and implement engineering changes by writing, issuing, reviewing, and closing out change documents
  • Collaborates with internal/external suppliers, manufacturing, and quality engineers to resolve manufacturing and quality issues to keep product delivery on time
  • Travel as required to fulfill work assignments

  • Accept special assignments as business needs require

Education / Training

Required:

  • BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with thorough understanding of engineering principals related to medium/high voltage rotating electrical and magnetic components

Qualifications and Experience

Required:
  • 10 Years of experience with the design and control of electrical rotating machines, DC / AC Voltage induction motors, etc.

  • Experience with Mechanical and Electrical function of motors and control.

  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams in Traction system component development and reliability improvements

  • Strong knowledge internal operations of traction system rotating components such as bearing and diodes

  • Demonstrated understanding of traction motor controls

  • High level of oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.

  • Knowledge on how power electronic converter or inverter supplied power source affects the design and performance of an electrical machine

  • Experience with CAD Design Tools

  • Demonstrated experience in tear down and failure mode analysis.

  • Self-Motivated Individual that has a desire to learn

Additional Qualifications Desired:
  • Experienced with project management

  • Railroad Industry experience

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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