Advanced Rail Technology, Director of Engineering - Uptime
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Global leader in rail transport solutions, offering locomotive, railcar, and track services.
Lead engineering team to develop AI-driven predictive platform for locomotive uptime
12 days ago ago
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
La Grange, IL
Office Full-Time
Company Size
10,000 Employees
Service Specialisms
Locomotive and railcar repair
Engineering & Track Services
Signal design, installation & maintenance
Trackwork & infrastructure services
Rail welding services
Parts supply & aftermarket support
Maintenance‑of‑Way equipment services
Recycling services
Sector Specialisms
Railroad
Transit Systems
Infrastructure
Rolling Stock
Heavy Haul Railways
Transit Railways
Locomotive Engines
Trackwork
Role
Description
software dev
ci/cd
ai integration
team lead
quality assurance
stakeholder updates
Collaborate with other Advanced Rail Technology product director to ensure alignment and execution of the software development lifecycle;
Manage the software development lifecycle from concept through deployment, ensuring best practices in agile project management, continuous integration, and continuous delivery;
Integrate data scientist developed models into the platform;
Oversee resource allocation, budgeting, and forecasting for the development projects, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely project completion;
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;
Lead the engineering team which includes systems, software, quality, and project engineers to create and maintain the platform according to the product plans;
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;
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.
Safety – Position may occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment during visits to industrial areas.
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;
Communicate technical challenges and achievements to stakeholders and senior management, providing regular updates on project status and strategic direction.
Requirements
10+ years
software leadership
ai
rail
master's
agile
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;
10+ years of engineering leadership preferably in the software field;
Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Proven track record (8+ years) in software development leadership, with significant experience in managing complex software projects;
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;
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and collaborate with other directors to achieve strategic goals;
Rail or similar industry experience a big plus.
Master’s degree in engineering is a plus;
Interest and/or experience in Artificial Intelligence or Industrial IoT systems;
In-depth understanding of software development best practices, quality assurance, and modern development tools and environments;
5+ years of project and/or product management in a technical field;
Ability to travel up to 25% both in US and abroad;
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);
Strong project management skills, with certifications in Agile, PMP, or similar methodologies preferred;
Bachelor of Science in engineering or equivalent.
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;
Benefits
Paid Vacation
Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
Employee Recognition Programs
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Education Assistance Program
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
Flexible Spending Accounts
Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Plan
401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
Competitive Salary
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
Information not given or found
Security clearance
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
Operates as a pioneer in rail transport, offering comprehensive solutions across the rail industry.
Provides cutting-edge locomotive, railcar, and track services to railroads and industries globally.
Designs and manufactures advanced locomotives, signaling systems, and specialized rail components.
Key projects encompass freight and passenger systems, including custom-engineered solutions and maintenance.
Recognized for combining robust technology with extensive rail network experience.
Expands its global reach through Caterpillar's resources to create innovative rail solutions.
Maintains strong positions in both freight and passenger rail markets, emphasizing reliability and efficiency.
Ensures high standards of quality and safety in all operations, focusing on continuous improvement.
Culture + Values
75% Recycled Inputs
Recycled Material Usage
This company uses 75% of its inputs for new rail products from recycled material.
10+ Years Extended Life
Locomotive Life Extension
The company extends the life of locomotives through modernization, rebuilding, overhauling, and repowering.
Sustainability is part of who we are and what we do every single day.
Reconditioning or repairing freight cars and components to optimize asset lifecycle.
End‑of‑life locomotives and railcars are recycled through comprehensive scrap management.
SkyTrim OEM remanufacturing program reduces the need for new products through reuse.
Environment + Sustainability
30% Emission Cut
GHG Reduction Target
Commitment to reduce Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 30% from 2018 to 2030.
50% Landfill Reduction
Waste Management Goal
Aim to reduce landfill intensity by 50% from 2018 to 2030.
75% GHG Savings
Rail Freight Efficiency
Rail freight operations use up to 75% less GHG per ton compared to truck transport.
82% CO₂ Reduction
Manufacturing Efficiency
Progress Rail rebuilds have reduced CO₂ emissions from manufacturing by 82%.
All new products through 2030 will be more sustainable than previous generation
Testing high-level renewable fuel blends (up to 100% bio-based diesel) with CN partnership
Developing and deploying battery-electric and hybrid locomotives (including zero-exhaust battery switcher, mainline hybrid and EMD Joule)
Contracts to supply zero-exhaust battery locos to Pacific Harbor Line, BNSF and Aurizon