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Progress Rail Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Material Handlers

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is an integrated rolling stock and infrastructure provider, delivering a full range of products and services to domestic and international railroad customers.

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Progress Rail information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$35

$76

How much do progress rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for progress rail in Chicago, IL is $35.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.25 and $46.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Progress Rail employee do?

A Progress Rail employee works for Progress Rail, a company that provides railroad and transit products and services. Employees may be involved in manufacturing, engineering, servicing, or maintaining railway equipment such as locomotives, track, and signaling systems. Their roles support the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail operations worldwide. Depending on their specific job, they might work in the field, at a manufacturing plant, or in a corporate office. Progress Rail is a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at Progress Rail, and how does the company support their professional development?

Employees at Progress Rail often work in dynamic environments that require adapting to evolving technology and industry standards. Common challenges include balancing production schedules with safety protocols and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, sometimes in global settings. To support professional growth, Progress Rail offers training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways for advancement within the organization, enabling employees to build their skills and take on greater responsibilities over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Progress Rail technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Progress Rail technician, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, experience with heavy machinery, and often a technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with diagnostic software, rail industry safety protocols, and equipment-specific tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure reliable equipment maintenance, operational safety, and efficient collaboration within rail industry environments.

What is the difference between Progress Rail vs Railroad Technician?

AspectProgress RailRailroad Technician
CertificationsManufacturing and maintenance certifications, such as ASE or OEM-specific trainingRailroad safety and operational certifications, including OSHA and FRA compliance
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, repair shops, and field maintenance sitesRail yards, trackside, and on-site at railroads
Industry UsageHeavy equipment manufacturing, locomotive and railcar maintenanceRailroad operations, track inspection, and repair

Progress Rail technicians focus on manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining rail equipment in industrial settings, while railroad technicians work directly on rail infrastructure and operational systems in the field. Both roles require technical skills but differ in work environment and specific certifications.

Is Progress Rail a good place to work?

Progress Rail offers employment opportunities in the rail industry, with roles that often require technical skills and safety awareness. The company's work environment and employee satisfaction can vary by location and position, so researching specific roles and reviews can provide more insight.

What job categories do people searching Progress Rail jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Progress Rail jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Progress Rail job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,238 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

$101K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Progress Rail rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

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.
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.
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.

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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