Senior Specialist Train Control Systems

CPKC; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CPKC in Calgary, AB, is seeking a Senior Specialist, Train Control Systems to lead the advancement of train control technologies across Operations Centers and field environments. You will drive safety, efficiency, and reliability through strategic initiatives and governance of critical systems.

You will mentor staff, partner with IT and vendors, and travel as required across Canada and the US to support implementations and on-call coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent railway/transport technology experience.
• 7–10 years in train control systems, railway operations, dispatching/RTC functions, transportation technology, systems support, or train control application development.
• Proven success leading complex projects, system implementations, technology initiatives, and business process improvements.
• Willingness to travel within Canada and the United States and participate in on-call support.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and SME guidance for the planning, evaluation, prioritization, design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of train control systems and applications, ensuring alignment with operational objectives, safety standards, technical requirements, and industry best practices
• Lead cross-functional teams in defining business, operational, safety, and technical requirements; establish testing, validation, and acceptance criteria; and oversee system enhancements to ensure operational integrity, reliability, regulatory compliance, and successful implementation
• Serve as the primary liaison between Operations, Information Technology, vendors, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration, influencing decision-making, and driving alignment and delivery of train control technology initiatives and enhancements
• Analyze operational performance, system reliability, emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to identify opportunities for optimization, efficiency improvements, risk reduction, innovation, and enhanced user experience, while developing business cases and recommendations supporting strategic investments and process improvements
• Maintain governance of critical databases, system documentation, standards, and processes, ensuring data quality, consistency, and compliance, while acting as the senior escalation point for complex operational, technical, and system-related issues
• Lead training strategy development, facilitate advanced training programs, and mentor operational and technical personnel, demonstrating strong leadership, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational influence to support capability growth and knowledge retention

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field

Job description

Posting Start Date: 8/21/26 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

The Senior Specialist, Train Control Systems plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of railway operations by leading the advancement of critical train control technologies and operational practices. As a recognized subject matter expert, this position drives innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Operations Centers and field environments. Through strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the delivery of transformative technology solutions, the role enhances safety, efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance while ensuring train control systems continue to meet the evolving needs of the business. This position also champions talent development, knowledge transfer, and organizational capability building across North American operations.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and subject matter expertise for the planning, evaluation, prioritization, design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of train control systems and applications, ensuring alignment with operational objectives, safety standards, technical requirements, and industry best practices
• Lead cross-functional teams in defining business, operational, safety, and technical requirements; establish testing, validation, and acceptance criteria; and oversee system enhancements to ensure operational integrity, reliability, regulatory compliance, and successful implementation
• Serve as the primary liaison between Operations, Information Technology, vendors, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration, influencing decision-making, and driving alignment and delivery of train control technology initiatives and enhancements.
• Analyze operational performance, system reliability, emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to identify opportunities for optimization, efficiency improvements, risk reduction, innovation, and enhanced user experience, while developing business cases and recommendations supporting strategic investments and process improvements
• Maintain governance of critical databases, system documentation, standards, and processes, ensuring data quality, consistency, and compliance, while acting as the senior escalation point for complex operational, technical, and system-related issues
• Lead training strategy development, facilitate advanced training programs, and mentor operational and technical personnel, demonstrating strong leadership, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational influence to support capability growth and knowledge retention

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant railway, transportation technology, or train control experience will be considered
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in train control systems, railway operations, dispatching/RTC functions, transportation technology, systems support, or train control application development, with expert knowledge of train control functionality, system integration, operational processes, and railway safety requirements
• Proven success leading complex projects, system implementations, technology initiatives, and business process improvements involving multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to assess complex operational and technical challenges, develop effective solutions, influence decision-making, and build collaborative relationships across all organizational levels
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering training, mentoring personnel, serving as a recognized subject matter expert, and providing leadership and guidance while working independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to travel throughout Canada and the United States as required, participate in an on-call support rotation, and respond effectively to critical business, operational, and system-related issues

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER

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

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references

BECOMING A RAILROADER

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

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 provided, 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: 106397
• Department: Information Services & Network Service Centre (NSC)
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 4
• Job Available to: Internal & External