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Test Technician I

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Muncie, Indiana, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: 1983, the compa

Posted Jan 8, 2026Apply by Mar 7, 2026

Role & seniority: Test Technician, Mid-Senior level, Full-time

Stack/tools: Electrical/mechanical diagnostics; test equipment; high voltage; locomotive subsystems (air brake, diesel engine, electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic); track testing; QWI/schematics; read precision instruments; Windows/Office; overhead cranes; tuggers/fork trucks

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Test all locomotive systems (electrical, mechanical, electronic) and sub-assemblies; diagnose, adjust, troubleshoot, and repair defects

  • Conduct track testing and ensure adherence to safety rules and instructions; calculate and record data; manage test setups and instrumentation

  • Troubleshoot methods, analyze findings, and communicate key results to quality and production teams (and, for advanced roles, assign daily work scope)

Must-have skills

  • Associate degree in electrical or mechanical engineering technology; 5+ years related experience

  • Ability to troubleshoot using schematics and test specifications; practical knowledge of locomotive electrical/mechanical/pneumatic/hydraulic systems

  • Experience with high voltage, test equipment, and relevant computer software (Windows/Office)

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience in a locomotive repair environment; familiarity with QWI documentation; ability to read precise instruments and schematics; experience with cranes, forklifts, or other heavy equipment

  • Location & work type: Muncie, Indiana; on-site, full-time, production-hourly; safety-sensitive role wi

Full Description

Job Purpose

A Test technician will inspect, take measurements and conduct a prescribed range of evaluations, both mechanical and electrical, to ensure locomotives are meeting all specifications before qualifying and shipping to customer.

Req ID

11186BR

City

Muncie

State

Indiana

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

Duties and responsibilities

Test all electrical and mechanical, and electronic locomotive systems and sub-assemblies including complicated circuits, electrical measurements, air brake systems, diesel engines, and interactions between all systems; Diagnose, adjust, troubleshoot, and repair all defects found during testing; Conduct track testing of all types of locomotives and be expected to follow all rules pertaining to the operation of a locomotive; Follow written/scope of work instructions and or QWI’s consistently, accurately, and safely; Calculate and record data; Responsible for test set-ups and special instrumentations required to determine parts performance and systems characteristics; Operate Locomotive and other rolling equipment such as tuggers and fork trucks; Read precision instruments and gauges; Operate overhead cranes.

Advanced duties and responsibilities

Responsible for troubleshooting methods to identify problems, critically analyze and develop solutions, and report key findings to quality organization and internal production departments; Assign and Manage employees daily work scope to ensure work is completed safely, in a timely manner.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

Strength – Position requires lifting of 50lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and confined spaces while installing, testing or repairing machinery and components; Motion – Position requires standing majority of the day. Frequent walking, squatting, kneeling and climbing of steps and stairs; Vision/Hearing Requirements – Position is exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. Position is exposed to cutting torches and welding operations. The use of proper PPE is required. The position requires the ability to read QWI and schematics and understand instructions; Work Environment – Position can be located inside or outside, dependent on situation. When inside, the employees are subject to temperature extremes in non-temperature-controlled environments. When outside employees are subject to all weather elements. In both cases, employees will work with oils and other lubricants; Emotional Demands – Employee is expected to work and cooperate as part of team in order to meet production requirements; Safety – Position is safety sensitive, as it requires working in and around live tracks and operation and repair of heavy equipment. Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e blue flag) and use of all PPE.

Education / Training

Associates degree in electrical or mechanical engineering technology and at least 5 years of related experience.

Qualifications And Experience

Technical knowledge to detect a deficiency with written skills to record deficiencies in an easily understandable manner and the expertise to repair the deficiency (if required); Electrical / mechanical experience with the ability to troubleshoot problems using schematics and other test engineering specifications. Functional understanding of (locomotive) electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems; Understand mechanical / electrical / pneumatic / hydraulic schematics flowcharts; Must be able to make locomotive repairs and use tools typically found in a locomotive maintenance facility; Must have experience in a high voltage environment, computer/electronics knowledge and a working knowledge of test equipment; Must have experience in using a variety of computer software programs including Windows and Office products.

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

Production - Hourly

PRS Facility Location

Muncie, IN Locomotive - 293

Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Quality Assurance Industries Railroad Equipment Manufacturing

Electrical TestingMechanical TestingTroubleshootingRepairTrack TestingLocomotive OperationData RecordingInstrument OperationOverhead Crane OperationProblem SolvingSchematic ReadingHigh Voltage EnvironmentComputer LiteracyPneumatic SystemsHydraulic SystemsSafety Adherencemulti-location

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