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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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…