Rail Car Mechanic Apprentice 1

CPKC; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 45,460 - 60,614; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension and retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part‑time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Rail Car Mechanic in Thunder Bay, Ontario. You will perform preventative and corrective maintenance on freight cars in a high-production environment, including welding, cutting, and power tool use.

Training includes a 4-week welding course designed for the railroad industry, and a safety‑driven, outdoors‑oriented team setting. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, at least 1 year around heavy equipment, a valid driver's license, and welding experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 year experience working on or around heavy equipment.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Commercial driver’s license and welding experience preferred.
• Available to work all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions.
• Ability to pass written examinations and read safety instructions in English.
• Dedication to safety and ability to work within guidelines.
• Strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair freight car equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Perform preventative maintenance on trucks, underframes, structural components, safety systems, braking, and testing.
• Handle urgent repairs and road service work to keep equipment in service.
• Utilize welding, torch cutting, and power tools for repairs and modifications.
• Work in all areas of rail cars, including underneath, between, on top, and inside to complete tasks.

Skills

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Welding

Job description

Posting Start Date: 7/27/26

Join CPKC, North America's first transnational railroad connecting U.S. Canada and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

As a Rail Car Mechanic, you’ll play a key role in keeping freight moving safely and efficiently. Working in a high-production environment, you will perform both preventative and corrective maintenance on rail cars in compliance with regulatory standards. To set you up for success, you’ll receive hands‑on training and a specialized 4‑week welding course designed for the railroad industry. This role is ideal for individuals who are mechanically inclined, enjoy problem‑solving, and thrive working outdoors in a dynamic team setting.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Inspect, maintain, and repair freight car equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on trucks, underframes, structural components, safety appliances, braking systems, draft systems, and conduct all required tests
• Handle urgent repairs and road service work, including supplementary operations to keep equipment in service
• Utilize welding, torch cutting, and power tools to execute precision repairs and modifications
• Work in all areas of rail cars, including underneath, between, on top, and inside to complete maintenance and repair tasks

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Minimum 1 year experience working on or around heavy equipment
• Valid driver’s license
• Commercial driver’s license and welding experience preferred
• Available to work all types of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions
• Ability to pass the required written examinations, read and understand safety instructions, rules, regulations and other written or printed material in English
• Dedication to safety and ability to complete work within guidelines/rules
• Strong communication skills (provide clear and concise instructions/directions)

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Annual fitness subsidy
• Part‑time studies program

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety sensitive position and a successful pre‑employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Driver’s license verification and driving history

CULTURE OF INCLUSION

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provide, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

• Req ID: 106255
• Department: Mechanical Car
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $38.67/hr
• Job Available to: Internal & External