1

Progressive Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Progressive Rail information

See salary details

$442

$1.6K

$3.3K

How much do progressive rail jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for progressive rail in the United States is $1,602.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $798.08 and $2,173.08 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad operations professional at Progressive Rail, and why are they important?

To thrive as a railroad operations professional at Progressive Rail, you need a solid understanding of rail transport procedures, safety regulations, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with train control systems, dispatch software, and safety compliance certifications such as FRA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for coordinating schedules and ensuring safe, efficient operations. These competencies are critical to maintaining operational safety, minimizing delays, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a demanding transportation environment.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically management positions such as railroad executives, operations managers, or safety directors, which can earn six-figure salaries. Skilled technical roles like locomotive engineers and signal maintainers also earn high wages, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and experience in the industry.

How much does Progressive Rail pay?

The pay for positions at Progressive Rail varies depending on the role, experience, and location. Entry-level positions such as track laborers or maintenance workers typically start around minimum wage, while more skilled roles like engineers or conductors can earn higher salaries, often ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is Progressive Rail?

Progressive Rail is a short line railroad company that operates freight rail services in several regions across the United States. They specialize in providing flexible, customer-focused rail transportation solutions, often connecting local industries to the larger national rail network. Progressive Rail is known for its personalized service and ability to tailor logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes, helping to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively. The company also offers warehousing, transloading, and other logistics services to support their customers’ supply chains.

What is the difference between Progressive Rail vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectProgressive RailSignal Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in signal systems
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, maintenance facilitiesRail yards, trackside, electrical rooms
Employer & Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger railRailroad companies, transit agencies
Common Search & ComparisonProgressive Rail vs Signal Maintainer

Progressive Rail and Signal Maintainer roles both operate within the railroad industry, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. However, Signal Maintainers specifically focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing signal systems essential for train safety and operations. Progressive Rail roles may encompass broader maintenance tasks, including track and equipment upkeep. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path within the rail industry.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad worker can be competitive and often requires meeting physical requirements, passing background checks, and sometimes obtaining certifications such as safety training or operating licenses. Experience with machinery, good communication skills, and a willingness to work irregular hours can improve chances of employment in the industry.

Is Progress Rail a good company to work for?

Progress Rail is a well-established company in the rail industry, offering roles such as manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering. Employees generally cite competitive pay, benefits, and a focus on safety, though experiences can vary by location and position.

What are some typical challenges faced by employees working at Progressive Rail, and how can they be managed effectively?

Employees at Progressive Rail often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable work schedules, working outdoors in different weather conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to manage these challenges, as rail operations require close coordination between crew members and other departments. Ongoing training and a strong safety culture help employees stay prepared and confident in handling unexpected situations. Embracing flexibility and maintaining a proactive approach to problem-solving can make day-to-day responsibilities more manageable and rewarding.
More about Progressive Rail jobs
What cities are hiring for Progressive Rail jobs? Cities with the most Progressive Rail job openings:
What states have the most Progressive Rail jobs? States with the most job openings for Progressive Rail jobs include:
Infographic showing various Progressive Rail job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,348 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Locomotive Service Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Progress Rail rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

282nd of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose
Responsible for effectively overseeing the troubleshooting and repair of all mechanical and electrical systems of a locomotive. Work directly with customers and their employees. Work involves considerable amount of creativity, perception, and initiative with wide latitude for independent action.
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:
• Associates degree or equivalent experience.
Preferred:
• BSME or BSEE Degree.
Key Job Elements
• Represent Progress Rail Locomotive Inc. regarding product service difficulties, causes and corrections;
• Provide technical advice to customers regarding proper facilities, tooling, maintenance practices, and operation of product to maximize reliability and performance;
• Assist customers with investigating and correcting product difficulties;
• Monitor equipment performance providing sales/service management with regular reports and recommendations for technical problem solutions;
• Maintain safe practices and good housekeeping;
• Train and develop new employees (hourly and salaried);
• Maintain records on work and modifications performed, and analyze data and report results;
• Ensure all governmental agency inspection requirements and/or procedures are accounted for and documented;
• Frequent contact with customers;
• Effective contact with others;
• Promote good group relations;
• Research/coordinate special tool and material requirements;
• Assist in the investigation and documentation of product warranty issues;
• Effectively update daily shop reports as required;
• Assist in the identification, investigation, and resolution of product reliability and performance issues;
• Prepare task procedure documentation/instructions to effectively communicate requirements to the shop workforce;
• Identify and report warranty and charge back items;
• Perform all responsibilities in accordance with, "Our Values in Action, Caterpillar's Code of Conduct."
Qualifications and Experience
Required:
• Medium level of oral and written communications skills;
• Medium level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with customers and workforce;
• Medium level of analytical ability where problems are complex;
• Medium level of mechanical and electrical aptitude;
• Knowledge of fundamental inspection and reliability procedures and processes;
• Ability to read Engineering drawings;
• Knowledge of shop practices and basic machinery;
• Willingness to relocate;
• Ability to work as a part of a multi shift seven (7) day a week operation.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions:
• Strength - Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs.;
• Motion - Walking frequent. Sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeing, squatting and overhead reaching and climbing ladders;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms. Ability to identify colors;
• Work Environment - Works on varied surfaces, concrete floors, gravel, locomotive floors. Works at varied heights from floor level to tops of locomotives. Work in confined spaces. Non-temperature control environment, all weather conditions with high noise and high dust levels;
• Emotional Demands - Due to the working environment, noise, dust, personal protective equipment, employee must be comfortable working alone;
• Safety - Safety Sensitive positions because it works in and around active tracks, rail cars, locomotives, and other moving equipment. Employee must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE. Included but not limited to metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, hearing protection, etc.
This position is eligible for relocation benefits.
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.

What Progress Rail employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Progress Rail logo

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