Signals and Communication Technician

Canadian National Railway Company; Montreal; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Signals and Communications Apprentice, where you will play a vital role in maintaining and improving essential railway signaling systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on training, ensuring safety and efficiency in operations. You will be part of a committed team that values collaboration and inclusivity, working in a dynamic environment that supports your professional growth. With competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, this role is perfect for those looking to build a meaningful career in the skilled trades. Don't miss your chance to make an impact in the rail industry!

Benefits

Competitive Wages

Paid Training

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance

Employee Share Investment Plan

Educational Financial Assistance Program

Employee Resource Groups

Extensive Employee Discount Program

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must complete CN’s apprenticeship program with hands-on skill development.
• Ability to understand and apply electrical and mechanical principles.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain signal systems and apparatus.
• Perform construction duties including digging and laying cables.

Skills

Electrical Principles

Mechanical Principles

Safety Awareness

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Grade 12 Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics or Engineering

Tools

Hand Tools

Testing Instruments

High-Rail Equipment

Job description

Posted: 5/5/2025 - Application Deadline: 5/21/2025

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together—by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.

If you are a skilled trades person or interested in skilled trades and continuous learning in a safety-focused environment, working at CN could be a great fit for you. You’ll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of freight across North America. Enjoy paid training and evolve your skills. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) is responsible for installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining various signals and communications systems and apparatuses, including railway signaling systems, wayside information systems, and highway grade crossing protection systems.

Working Conditions

• Must be available for shift work, including weekends and nights.
• Work is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfaces.
• Regular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrations.
• Must meet medical fitness for duty requirements.
• Ability to grasp and work at heights and elevations.
• Able to perform repetitive physical activities.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally.
• Must be available to work away from home in isolated locations.

Major Responsibilities

• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus, including automatic blocks, traffic controls, train stops, train controls, cab signals, and interlocking systems.
• Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipment.
• Perform highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yards.
• Use a wide variety of hand tools, bonding rail, and testing signal plans, including on track high-rail equipment and test instruments to bury cable and wire equipment.
• Ensure a safe working environment by following CN’s safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Successful completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including in-class theory and laboratory work, as well as hands-on skill development in the field
• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Collaborates and maintains positive interactions with others.
• Ability to work independently, well organized, and maintain schedules.
• Ability to understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles.
• Ability to follow company safety procedures, apply critical thinking, and maintain safety awareness.
• Capable of making effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and when responding to changes, as well as interruptions in work processes
• Ability to judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects.
• Meet established standards of quality, productivity, and client satisfaction.
• Hand-eye coordination
• Good climbing and balancing skills for performing installation and maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules
• Basic computer knowledge

Assets

• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree, or a 2- or 3-year College level program in Electronics, Engineering or other related field such as Physics or Mathematics **

What We Offer

• Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
• Paid Training and Career Development
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Employee Share Investment Plan
• Educational Financial Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Extensive Employee Discount Program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

This position is a unionized position, as such pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.

Paid Training:

Signals & Communications apprentices will spend an initial 3 weeks receiving paid training at a CN Campus (Winnipeg, MB) and must pass their Electric Fundamentals test before returning to CN Campus for an additional 4x 2-week training weeks during their apprenticeship training program.

The training is primarily on health and safety rules, standard codes of practice, installation methods, testing and maintenance procedures, and equipment familiarization. Successful completion of the classroom training is mandatory to work as a Signal Maintainer. Once qualified, the role is subject to promotion as a Signals and Communications Maintainer and protect seniority as vacancies arise.

Successful Candidate Process:

• Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision).
• Criminal background check

Paid Training Structure:

• 3 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
• Electric Fundamentals Test
• 4 x2-week training at CN Campus
• 2+ years to become qualified S&C Maintainer

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America'ssafest, mostinclusive,andsustainablerailroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don't see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team [e-mail].

As an equal employment opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at [e-mail].

As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.

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