Advanced Rail Technology, Director of Engineering - Uptime

Job Purpose

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is at the forefront of AI technology, developing a state-of-the-art platform that predicts locomotive failures before they occur. This predictive capability allows our railroad customers to significantly reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

We are seeking an Engineering Director with a strategic mindset and strong project management skills to lead our software development efforts and maintain the highest standards of quality.

Progress Rail is seeking a Director of Engineering a strategic mindset and strong project management skills to lead our systems and software development efforts and maintain the highest standards of quality.

The Uptime director of engineering role summary:

• Lead the engineering team which includes systems, software, quality, and project engineers to create and maintain the platform according to the product plans;
• Collaborate with other Advanced Rail Technology product director to ensure alignment and execution of the software development lifecycle;
• Integrate data scientist developed models into the platform;
• This role requires the ability to hire and manage a team of high performers to support the customer deployments;
• Your leadership will drive the success of our platform, influencing both its development and its impact on the market.
  
  
  

This is a full-time position working in the Progress Rail Fort Worth, TX or LaGrange, IL office.

Req ID

10986BR

Work Location Options

or La Grange, IL

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

• Collaborate closely with the Director of AI to align software development activities with AI model integration, ensuring seamless deployment and functionality of predictive technologies;
• Lead the software development team, focusing on the execution of project plans, adherence to timelines, and delivery of high-quality software solutions;
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance processes, including automated testing frameworks, code reviews, and performance metrics, to ensure the reliability and scalability of the platform;
• Manage the software development lifecycle from concept through deployment, ensuring best practices in agile project management, continuous integration, and continuous delivery;
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including product management, systems engineering, UX/UI design, and customer support, to ensure project objectives align with user needs and company goals;
• Drive innovation within the team by encouraging the exploration of new technologies and development methodologies that can enhance platform capabilities;
• Oversee resource allocation, budgeting, and forecasting for the development projects, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely project completion;
• Communicate technical challenges and achievements to stakeholders and senior management, providing regular updates on project status and strategic direction.
  
  
  

Education / Training

Required Education & Training

• 10 years of engineering leadership preferably in the software field;
• 5 years of project and/or product management in a technical field;
• Bachelor of Science in engineering or equivalent.
  
  
  

Preferred Education & Credentials

• Interest and/or experience in Artificial Intelligence or Industrial IoT systems;
• Master’s degree in engineering is a plus;
• Rail or similar industry experience a big plus.
  
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Proven track record (8 years) in software development leadership, with significant experience in managing complex software projects;
• Strong project management skills, with certifications in Agile, PMP, or similar methodologies preferred;
• In-depth understanding of software development best practices, quality assurance, and modern development tools and environments;
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and collaborate with other directors to achieve strategic goals;
• Ability to travel up to 25% both in US and abroad;
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  
  
  

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 Director of Engineering.

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