Senior Manager, Track Standards

CN360; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company is seeking a Senior Manager, Track Standards to oversee track integrity through the development of engineering standards and practices. This role involves significant collaboration, technical expertise, and leadership to ensure compliance and safety within the rail industry. The successful candidate will have a strong background in railroad engineering and a commitment to safety and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of railroad experience.
• Field experience in track engineering, maintenance, construction, or production.
• Experience leading personnel in a technical environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate CN’s Engineering Track Standards.
• Lead derailment investigations and root cause analyses.
• Oversee testing and field performance of new components.

Skills

Safety Awareness

Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Professional Engineering (P. Eng.) Designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Track Inspection System (TIS)

Job description

At CN, every day brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of ensuring our business runs optimally and safely—helping keep the economy on track. We provide paid training and opportunities that support long-term careers and recognize hardworking individuals who strive to make a difference. You will thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Track Standards is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the track through the development and communication of CN’s track and materials standards. The role oversees material designs, technical drawings, specifications, regulations, maintenance standards, practices, and recommended methods. Additionally, the position supports research and development initiatives including the development of business rules supporting automated testing.

Main Responsibilities

Track Standards

• Develop, maintain and communicate CN’s Engineering Track Standards, Recommended Methods, Policies, Guidelines, and Welding Manual
• Develop business rules required for the adoption of automated and advanced inspection technology
• Handle and develop direct reports in the Track Standards team
• Develop test plans and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for evaluating new processes, materials, and equipment
• Oversee testing and field performance of new components for acceptance by CN
• Actively lead and participate in derailment investigations and other root cause analyses, on-site and remotely
• Perform field audits to resolve compliance with established track, welding, safety, and regulatory standards
• Lead the development and updating of Material Specifications along with stakeholders in Quality Assurance (QA) and Procurement
• Support qualification and continuous QA processes for suppliers
• Oversee maintenance and archiving of track standard drawings, documents, and bulletins
• Oversee review and approval of technical drawings from suppliers
• Understand track safety standards as developed by applicable regulatory authorities

Technical Support

• Provide clear interpretation and feedback to inquiries pertaining to policies, guidelines, and regulations
• Provide technical support to the field for incident and failure investigations
• Provide operational and technical support to Regional Engineering teams
• Provide on-site support as needed to reduce network outages and impacts
• Provide technical support to Procurement, Supply Management in development of supplier contracts and purchasing strategies

Collaboration

• Participate in Quality Audits of manufacturing facilities of track material and support investigations into material non-conformance
• Work with suppliers to ensure continuous improvement of track materials
• Actively participate in relevant regulatory working groups and technical committees to support CN’s requirements
• Interact with other Engineering groups to ensure alignment between Signals and Communications, Bridges and Structures, and Track Standards
• Represent Engineering throughout the Risk Assessment processes
• Represent CN in industry engagement through organizations such as AREMA, AAR, and RAC

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environments in various weather and environmental conditions. It requires being on-call 24/7 for critical incidents, meeting tight deadlines, and handling pressure and stress. Regular travel (up to 50%) within Canada and the U.S. is expected.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of railroad experience
• Field experience in track engineering, maintenance, construction, or production
• Experience leading personnel in a technical environment (asset)

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Professional Engineering (P. Eng.) Designation

Competencies

• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Considers environmental impacts in decisions and actions
• Demonstrates active listening
• Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for stakeholders
• Collaborates and shares information
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Applies critical thinking

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge of track standards, welding practices, regulations, and policies
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of SAP and Track Inspection System (TIS) (asset)
• Fluency in English and French (asset)

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. It safely transports over 300 million tons of resources and goods annually across North America. Connecting Canada’s coasts and the U.S., CN has contributed to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. Committed to social responsibility and environmental stewardship, CN works as ONE TEAM focused on safety, sustainability, and customer service.