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Progress Rail Services Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MACHINE OPERATOR

Sidney, NE · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

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 ...

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Progress Rail Services information

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$50K

$345K

$400K

How much do progress rail services jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for progress rail services in the United States is $344,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $320,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Progress Rail Services?

Progress Rail Services is a company that provides railroad and transit products and services. They manufacture, repair, and maintain locomotives, railcars, and track infrastructure for the rail industry. As a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., Progress Rail offers a wide range of solutions, including leasing, recycling, and technology upgrades to help railroads operate more efficiently and sustainably. Their expertise supports both freight and passenger rail operations worldwide.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Progress Rail Services technician?

To thrive as a Progress Rail Services technician, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of rail systems, and relevant technical education or experience in industrial maintenance. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, welding equipment, and railway safety certifications such as FRA or OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient railcar repair and maintenance, supporting reliable rail operations.

What are some common challenges faced by technicians working at Progress Rail Services, and how can they prepare for them?

Technicians at Progress Rail Services often work with complex rail equipment in both shop and field environments, where troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues is a daily responsibility. Common challenges include adapting to rapidly changing schedules, working in varying weather conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. To prepare, job seekers should strengthen their technical problem-solving skills, stay current on industry safety standards, and be ready to collaborate closely with engineers and other team members to meet project deadlines.

What is the difference between Progress Rail Services vs Railroad Mechanical Technician?

AspectProgress Rail ServicesRailroad Mechanical Technician
CertificationsTypically requires diesel mechanic or heavy equipment certificationsRequires diesel mechanic or similar technical certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, repair shops, on-site at rail yardsRail yards, maintenance shops, on-site at rail companies
Industry UsageManufacturing, repair, and maintenance of rail equipmentMaintenance and repair of locomotives and railcars
Job FocusRepair, maintenance, and servicing of rail equipmentDiagnosing and fixing mechanical issues on trains and railcars

Progress Rail Services and Railroad Mechanical Technicians both focus on maintaining and repairing rail equipment, often requiring similar technical certifications. Progress Rail Services generally operates within manufacturing and repair facilities, while Railroad Mechanical Technicians work directly in rail yards and on-site locations. Both roles are essential in the rail industry for ensuring safe and efficient train operations.

More about Progress Rail Services jobs

What cities are hiring for Progress Rail Services jobs?

Cities with the most Progress Rail Services job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Progress Rail Services jobs?

The most popular types of Progress Rail Services jobs are:

What states have the most Progress Rail Services jobs?

States with the most job openings for Progress Rail Services jobs include:

Infographic showing various Progress Rail Services job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $344,970 per year, or $165.9 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Progress Rail rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 491 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose
The Equipment Operator will perform a variety of skilled or semi-skilled tasks involving the operation, servicing, and maintenance of heavy equipment.
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.
Education / Training
Required:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
Preferred:
• Heavy Equipment Certification;
• Class A CDL preferred but not required.
Key Job Elements
• Operate Wheel Loader and/or tracked heavy equipment to move and process railcars and various scrap materials;
• Operate skid steer or forklift to stage and palletize small parts;
• Load and unload materials for transport;
• Perform basic maintenance as needed;
• Effectively communicate with team members and customers;
• Complete daily inspection and record keeping of equipment.
Qualifications and Experience
• Excavator/track hoe or wheel loader experience required;
• Background experience in safely operating heavy equipment;
• Railroad or industrial labor experience preferred;
• Inspection of heavy equipment;
• General maintenance knowledge of mobile track equipment;
• Strength - Able to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance;
• Motion - Employee will sit for the majority of the shift, may kneel, squat and climb steps as needed throughout the day;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Must be able to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness. The ability to see details at close range or at a distance;
• Work Environment- Work in all weather conditions;
• Emotional Demands - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations;
• Safety - Position is a safety sensitive position. Position requires following all safety procedures, policies and PPE requirements such that include hand, head, eye, hand, ear and foot protection.
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.

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About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983