Electrical engineering alumna honored for influential work
Jean Savage has spent decades in the manufacturing, mining, and rail industry
Jean Savage always knew she would be an engineer. After decades making an impact in the manufacturing and rail industries in top roles, Savage was honored by the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science with the Herman Schneider Distinguished Alumni Award. This award honors one outstanding alumnus each year whose career has reflected a large measure of acclaim on our academic departments and disciplines they represent.
Jean Savage graduated from CEAS in 1987 with a degree in electrical engineering. Photo/provided.
As a young girl in suburban Cincinnati, Savage was far more interested in the hum of engines and the challenge of fixing things than in following a conventional path. While her brothers taught her the intricacies of car mechanics, she found herself captivated by the logic of math and the possibilities of science. That early curiosity, paired with a relentless drive to tackle the toughest problems, set her on a journey that would take her from hands-on engineering co-ops to the corner office as President and CEO. Her story isn't just about breaking barriers, it's about embracing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, lead, and leave a lasting mark on the industries she loves.
When it came time to choose a college, Savage didn't hesitate. She applied to the University of Cincinnati, drawn by its renowned College of Engineering and Applied Science and the promise of hands-on experience through the cooperative education (co-op) program.
"I wanted to push myself," she said. "So I chose electrical engineering because it seemed like the toughest challenge."
Her journey at UC was defined by curiosity and grit. The co-op program gave her a front row seat to real-world engineering as she rotated through roles at Delco Remy in Indiana. There, a local family welcomed her into their home, offering not just meals and a place to stay but a sense of belonging far from home.
Each co-op rotation brought new responsibilities, from mastering computer aided design and robotics to installing advanced vision systems in distant factories. These experiences didn't just build her technical skills, they ignited a lifelong passion for innovation.
While thriving in her engineering studies and co-op rotations, she sought out new challenges beyond the classroom. Savage joined ROTC, determined to build not only technical expertise but also the discipline and leadership skills that would set her apart. Early mornings were spent in physical training, and weekends often meant returning to campus for drills and summer camps, all while juggling a demanding co-op schedule.
"The structure and rigor of ROTC taught me how to manage my time and push through obstacles," she said. "It was about more than just physical fitness, it was about learning to lead under pressure."
Upon graduating from UC in 1987, Savage was commissioned into the U.S. Army, spending four months in Arizona for officer basic training. The experience honed her resilience and adaptability, qualities that would prove invaluable as she transitioned into the corporate world.
Returning to Cincinnati, she began interviewing for full-time industry positions. Her first major opportunity came at Parker Hannifin in Eaton, Ohio, where she quickly rose through the ranks from supervisor to engineering manager, and eventually to overseeing an entire division. Each step was marked by a willingness to embrace new responsibilities and relocate her family in pursuit of growth.
Jean Savage was honored with the Herman Schneider Distinguished Alumni Award. Photo/Kevin Watkins.
After nearly 15 years of growth and leadership at Parker Hannifin, Savage found herself in a position where her family did not want to move again. As if by fate, a new opportunity fell into her lap.
"One afternoon, I was driving back to my hometown and received a call inviting me to interview at a company just minutes from where I lived," she said. "The interview was spontaneous, but the outcome was life changing. I was offered the job that same day."
The new role was at Progress Rail, a company specializing in infrastructure solutions for the railroad industry. The shift from the structured environment of Parker Hannafin to the entrepreneurial spirit of Progress Rail was both exciting and demanding. For a year, senior executives met with her every Saturday, sharing insights and teaching her the intricacies of the business.
Four years into her tenure, Caterpillar, Inc. acquired Progress Rail. The transition brought uncertainty but also new opportunities. The company offered her a vice president role overseeing the division responsible for manufacturing the majority of machine components. In this capacity, Savage facilitated a major merger between two divisions and was later appointed Chief Technology Officer for Caterpillar.
From 2002 to 2020, Savage immersed herself in strategic planning, innovation and leadership at Caterpillar. Her work spanned valuable projects and transformative initiatives, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in manufacturing, mining and rail technology. Along the way, she joined the board of Trinity Industries, Inc., a connection that would soon open the door to her next and most impactful leadership role.
Jean Savage is now the President and CEO of Trinity Industries. Photo/Kevin Watkins
While serving on the board of directors for Trinity Industries, Inc., she found herself at another crossroads.
"I was on the board for a few years, and they were going through a CEO change," she said. "I was asked to interview for the role, and it seemed to me like an opportunity to make a bigger difference in the field."
Savage became the first woman to lead Trinity Industries, Inc. There were challenges, but also opportunities to shape the future of the rail industry.
"I never planned on being a CEO when I started my career. I didn't know at the time, but all of the roles I held throughout the years prepared me for this," she said.
Each chapter of her journey, from firsthand engineering to executive leadership, had built the foundation for this moment.
Today, as president and CEO, she said she continues to lead with curiosity, resilience and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
Featured image at top: Jean Savage returned to UC's campus to accept the Herman Schneider Distinguished Alumni Award. Photo/Kevin Watkins
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Jean Savage has spent decades making an impact in the manufacturing and rail industries in top roles. Savage was honored by the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science with the Herman Schneider Distinguished Alumni Award. This award honors one outstanding alumnus each year whose career has reflected a large measure of acclaim on our academic departments and disciplines they represent.