Expert des opérations ferroviaires/Rail Operation Expert

Keolis North America; Montreal; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail operations firm in Montreal is seeking a Rail Operations Expert to design and validate railway operations. You will define operational requirements, develop concepts, and ensure compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have 10 years of experience in railway operations, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach. This role offers competitive compensation and benefits within a renowned consortium dedicated to sustainable transport.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Group insurance

Continuing education programs

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience in railway operations, ideally in different fields.
• Knowledge of operating regulations and safety management principles.
• Experience in passenger rail transport, particularly in high-speed, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define operational functional requirements and ensure integration.
• Develop operating concepts and strategies for managing disruptions.
• Participate in performance analysis and operational modelling.
• Define test scenarios to validate operational requirements.
• Provide operational expertise to various stakeholders.

Skills

Collaborative approach

Capacity to influence design

Proficiency in change management

Excellent MS Office skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Fluency in both official languages of Canada

Education

University degree in engineering or transportation management

Job description

Canada Rail, a joint venture between Keolis Canada and SNCF Voyageurs, combines the expertise of Keolis, a global leader in public transport, with the international experience of SNCF Voyageurs in passenger rail, including high-speed and conventional services. Together, they leverage practical knowledge gained from operating passenger rail networks around the world.

Keolis Canada is a leading player in developing innovative, passenger-focused mobility solutions tailored to evolving traveler needs and local community expectations. Its diversified portfolio includes rail, intercity and urban transit, tramways, electric autonomous shuttles, and airport transportation.

For over 20 years, Keolis Canada has established itself as a key mobility player in Canada, operating networks of buses, coaches and trams in major cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Kitchener and Ottawa. As a member of the Keolis Group—70% owned by SNCF and 30% by the CDPQ—the company benefits from the support of a network of 70,000 employees across 13 countries, with a turnover of €7 billion (CAD 11 billion).

SNCF Voyageurs is a subsidiary of the SNCF Group, covering the entire travel chain—from sales and transport to maintenance and security—with the customer at the heart of its concerns, in France and Europe. With more than 80 years of experience, SNCF Voyageurs operates under several commercial brands, each addressing a specific segment of the rail market. It transports more than 5 million passengers daily and operates 15,000 trains daily, with around 67,000 employees. Its turnover reached €20 billion (CAD 31 billion) in 2024.

SNCF Voyageurs’ mission is to provide safe, accessible and efficient transport for passengers, while promoting ecological transition through rail. It operates high-speed services in France and Europe, long-distance trains, regional services and international high-speed services with Eurostar and Thalys (Eurostar Group) or Lyria.

Keolis Canada is proud to participate in the Alto high-speed train project, connecting Quebec City to Toronto, as an experienced partner within the Cadence consortium. The consortium, including CPDQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, SYSTRA Canada, and Air Canada, was selected by the Canadian government to develop this project following a rigorous bidding process.

With our expertise, we will contribute to this landmark project which is set to revolutionize mobility in Canada for future generations.

And this is just the beginning! As we continue to grow, we are looking for passionate and talented professionals to help shape the future of high-speed rail in Canada. Many more opportunities will be available soon!

www.keolis.com, www.sncf-voyageurs.com, www.cadence.info

Your Role

As an Rail Operations Expert, you contribute to the design, preparation and validation of railway operations by defining and integrating operational requirements, supporting performance analysis and simulation, developing operating concepts, and ensuring alignment with the client, stakeholders and regulatory expectations.

Key Accountabilities

Contribution to the design

• Define operational functional requirements (route, rolling stock, signalling, energy, etc.) and ensure their integration throughout the design process
• Participate in design reviews, assess compliance with operational requirements, conduct gap analyses to ensure proposed solutions are operable and safe
• Check the consistency between technical choices and operational performance objectives (travel time, capacity, robustness)
• Identify, evaluate and track exported design constraints

Preparing for future operations

• Develop operating concepts and principles for planning, operational management, train equipment, station management and performance management
• Define strategies for managing disruptions
• Identify the organization, staffing needs, training, resources and documentation

Performance analysis and operational modelling

• Participate in the simulation of traffic and the analysis of robustness (travel time, conflicts, regulation margins)
• Propose adjustments to optimize capacity and regularity in normal and degraded scenarios

Contribution to testing and commissioning

• Define test scenarios to validate the consideration of operational functional requirements
• Participate in the development of the principles of trial operations, including the definition of performance thresholds and conditions for moving to the next stages
• Contribute to the definition of operating principles during the work and testing periods

Management of the interface with authorities and stakeholders

• Provide operational expertise to the various internal entities, the client, the manufacturers and the authorities
• Participate in the drafting or review of regulatory files (safety files, operating authorizations)

Profile Sought

Knowledge and Experience:

• 10 years' experience in railway operations, ideally in different fields (dispatch, train operation, planning, safety management)
• Knowledge of operating regulations and safety management principles
• Experience in a shadow operator function is a plus
• Experience in passenger rail transport, particularly in high-speed, is a plus
• University degree in engineering, transportation management or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Key Skills

• Ability to implement a collaborative approach with internal stakeholders, the customer, and external stakeholders such as host railways to co-develop the solution
• Capacity to influence design through operational studies and improve system specifications
• Proficiency in change management, to improve regularly our processes and methods to make them more efficient, and also capacity to lead our organization and stakeholder toward change
• Excellent MS Office skills
• Key personal traits: forward thinking, proactive, collaborative, detail-oriented, and innovative where required, with a relentless pursuit of excellence
• Ability to demonstrate and adhere to the O&M principles of Employee Engagement, Operational Excellence & Safety, Customer Satisfaction, Corporate Social Responsibility and Economic Performance
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills
• Fluency in both official languages of Canada is desirable given the nature of the business which operates outside of Quebec

Our Values

Respect for People : We foster a culture of inclusivity and respect in every interaction.

Integrity : We operate with transparency and uphold the highest ethical standards.

Stewardship : We prioritize sustainability, ensuring long-term value for communities and the environment.

Excellence: We strive for continuous improvement and innovation in all aspects of our work.

Collaboration : We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and teamwork to drive success.

Why joining Canada Rail?

Competitive compensation and benefits : Attractive salary, performance bonuses, group insurance, and continuing education programs.
A unique career opportunity: Develop your skills within a renowned consortium.
A collaborative environment: Work with top experts in railway engineering and operations.

At Canada Rail, we are proud to promote equal employment opportunities and are committed to building teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and provide an inclusive and equitable work environment, where every person is valued, regardless of their identity or background, to enable them to achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from First Nations as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ready to shape the future of rail in Canada? Apply now and take the next step in your career with us!

We process personal information collected during recruitment in accordance with the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector. It will be used solely to evaluate your application and will be protected by our security measures. By applying, you consent to its use.

Please note : Employment is subject to pre-employment checks, including employment background checks.

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English Version

Canada Rail, a joint venture between Keolis Canada and SNCF Voyageurs, combines the expertise of Keolis, a global leader in public transport, with the international experience of SNCF Voyageurs in passenger rail, both high-speed and conventional. Together, they leverage their practical knowledge acquired through the operation of passenger rail lines around the world.

Keolis Canada is a leading player in developing innovative, passenger-focused mobility solutions tailored to the evolving needs of travelers and local communities. Its diversified portfolio includes rail transport, intercity and urban transit, tramways, electric autonomous shuttles, and airport transportation.

For over 20 years, Keolis Canada has established itself as a key mobility player in Canada, operating bus, coach and tram networks in major cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Kitchener and Ottawa. As a member of the Keolis Group—70% owned by SNCF and 30% by the CDPQ—the company benefits from the support of a network of 70,000 employees across 13 countries, with a turnover of €7 billion (CAD 11 billion).

SNCF Voyageurs is a subsidiary of the SNCF Group, covering the entire travel chain—from sales and transport to maintenance and security—with the customer at the heart of its concerns, in France and Europe. With more than 80 years of experience, SNCF Voyageurs operates under several commercial brands, each addressing a specific segment of the rail market. It transports more than 5 million passengers daily and operates 15,000 trains daily, with around 67,000 employees. Its turnover reached €20 billion (CAD 31 billion) in 2024.

SNCF Voyageurs’ mission is to provide safe, accessible and efficient transport for passengers, while promoting ecological transition through rail. It operates high-speed services in France and Europe, long-distance trains, regional services and international high-speed services with Eurostar and Thalys (Eurostar Group) or Lyria.

Keolis Canada is proud to participate in the Alto high-speed train project, connecting Quebec City to Toronto, as an experienced partner within the Cadence consortium. The consortium, including CPDQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, SYSTRA Canada, and Air Canada, was selected by the Canadian government to develop this project following a rigorous bidding process.

With our expertise, we will contribute to this landmark project which is set to revolutionize mobility in Canada for future generations.

And this is just the beginning! As we continue to grow, we are looking for passionate and talented professionals to help shape the future of high-speed rail in Canada. Many more opportunities will be available soon!

www.keolis.com, www.sncf-voyageurs.com, www.cadence.info

Your Role

As a Rail Operations Expert, you contribute to the design, preparation and validation of railway operations by defining and integrating operational requirements, supporting performance analysis and simulation, developing operating concepts, and ensuring alignment with the client, stakeholders and regulatory expectations.

Key Accountabilities

Contribution to the design

• Define operational functional requirements (route, rolling stock, signalling, energy, etc.) and ensure their integration throughout the design process
• Participate in design reviews, assess compliance with operational requirements, conduct gap analyses to ensure proposed solutions are operable and safe
• Check the consistency between technical choices and operational performance objectives (travel time, capacity, robustness)
• Identify, evaluate and track exported design constraints

Preparing for future operations

• Develop operating concepts and principles for planning, operational management, train equipment, station management and performance management
• Define strategies for managing disruptions
• Identify the organization, staffing needs, training, resources and documentation

Performance analysis and operational modelling

• Participate in the simulation of traffic and the analysis of robustness (travel time, conflicts, regulation margins)
• Propose adjustments to optimize capacity and regularity in normal and degraded scenarios

Contribution to testing and commissioning

• Define test scenarios to validate the consideration of operational functional requirements
• Participate in the development of the principles of trial operations, including the definition of performance thresholds and conditions for moving to the next stages
• Contribute to the definition of operating principles during the work and testing periods

Management of the interface with authorities and stakeholders

• Provide operational expertise to the various internal entities, the client, the manufacturers and the authorities
• Participate in the drafting or review of regulatory files (safety files, operating authorizations)

Profile Sought

Knowledge and Experience:

• 10 years' experience in railway operations, ideally in different fields (dispatch, train operation, planning, safety management)
• Knowledge of operating regulations and safety management principles
• Experience in a shadow operator function is a plus
• Experience in passenger rail transport, particularly in high-speed, is a plus
• University degree in engineering, transportation management or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Key Skills

• Ability to implement a collaborative approach with internal stakeholders, the customer, and external stakeholders such as host railways to co-develop the solution
• Capacity to influence design through operational studies and improve system specifications
• Proficiency in change management, to improve regularly our processes and methods to make them more efficient, and also capacity to lead our organization and stakeholder toward change
• Excellent MS Office skills
• Key personal traits: forward thinking, proactive, collaborative, detail-oriented, and innovative where required, with a relentless pursuit of excellence
• Ability to demonstrate and adhere to the O&M principles of Employee Engagement, Operational Excellence & Safety, Customer Satisfaction, Corporate Social Responsibility and Economic Performance
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills
• Fluency in both official languages of Canada is desirable given the nature of the business which operates outside of Quebec

Our Values

Respect for People : We foster a culture of inclusivity and respect in every interaction.

Integrity : We operate with transparency and uphold the highest ethical standards.

Stewardship : We prioritize sustainability, ensuring long-term value for communities and the environment.

Excellence: We strive for continuous improvement and innovation in all aspects of our work.

Collaboration : We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and teamwork to drive success.

Why joining Canada Rail?

Competitive compensation and benefits : Attractive salary, performance bonuses, group insurance, and continuing education programs.
A unique career opportunity: Develop your skills within a renowned consortium.
A collaborative environment: Work with top experts in railway engineering and operations.

At Canada Rail, we are proud to promote equal employment opportunities and are committed to building teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and provide an inclusive and equitable work environment, where every person is valued, regardless of their identity or background, to enable them to achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from First Nations as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ready to shape the future of rail in Canada? Apply now and take the next step in your career with us!

We process personal information collected during recruitment in accordance with the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector. It will be used solely to evaluate your application and will be protected by our security measures. By applying, you consent to its use.

Please note : Employment is subject to pre-employment checks, including employment background checks.