Material Specialist

  • Progress Rail Services
  • La Grange, Illinois
  • Full Time


Using the existing MRP system, ensure the timely delivery of products to Customers meet the Customer Requirements while maintaining minimum inventory levels.

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovationdriving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the worlds 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 companys products are in operation across more than 100 countriespowering 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 railthey are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

• Knowledge of Materials Shortages and take under consideration for Production Schedule;
• Communicate known shortages to operations group and assist in the development of recovery plan;
• Develop a Weekly, Monthly, Yearly Master Production Schedule (Local MPS Maintenance).
• Maintain Material Master Data
• Load and Cost Maintenance Work Orders and Sales Orders.
• Create, Issue, Close and Ship Production Orders and Maintenance Work Orders.
• Monitor production activity; Be proactive and focus on support.
• Monitor and maintain departmental metrics.
• Participate in regular cross-functional meetings.
• Follow-up with suppliers to insure timely deliveries.
• Maintain ERP system accuracy.
• React to Move Out/Move In of POs in a timely manner.
• Participate in cross functional Lean activities.

Education / Training

• Prefer degree in Business (Supply Chain specialization preferred).

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in a Material Planning role in a heavy equipment Manufacturing Environment.
• Strong MS Excel and ERP/MRP system skills.
• Competency using other computer-based programs such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Solid Problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed, team-based environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to negotiate solutions with suppliers and internal customers.
• Travel as required.

Preferred:
• Planning in a low volume, highly complex BOM environment.
• Experience in mechanical, Electrical, Weld manufacturing environment.
• Six Sigma Trained preferred.
• Experience working with SAP/LN Systems.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions:
• Strength Employees may lift up to 10 lbs. during a normal day (ex. Ream of paper).
• Motion Employee will be sitting at a desk for the majority of the day.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements Office workers may spend long period of time in front of computer
screen. Employees may be exposed to loud noises and machinery in the facility.
• Work Environment Employee spend a majority of his/her time indoors.
• Emotional Demands Employee expected to make quick decisions, speak publicly, interpret data, etc.
• Safety This is not a safety sensitive position but requires adherence to all safety policies/procedures (i.e.
Blue Flag) and use of all required PPE when working in those environments.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of a Material Specialist.

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.
Job ID: 518350985
Originally Posted on: 4/22/2026

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