Assistant Director Signals & Communications Operations

CPKC; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part‑time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is hiring an Assistant Director of Signals & Communications Operations in Fargo, ND. You will lead union and salaried S&C personnel, oversee testing, planning, material management, and apprenticeship supervision to keep 24/7 train operations safe and efficient.

Responsibilities include budgeting oversight, developing maintenance and construction plans, and mentoring supervisors. Travel is frequent; the role requires strong leadership and deep knowledge of signal systems and Red Book

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED; plus a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Valid driver's license for frequent travel.
• Knowledge of Red Book standards and approved signal plans.
• Hands-on experience in signal construction, testing, and maintenance.
• Advanced analytics with MS Office (Excel & Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage maintenance and construction activities within designated area and recommend regional capital improvements.
• Mentor S&C supervisors and tradespeople to advance skills and effectiveness.
• Develop maintenance and construction plans meeting S&C standards and Red Book guidelines.
• Oversee testing operations to ensure safe, reliable S&C facility within budget and timelines.
• Utilize the collective agreement to optimize workforce management and productivity.
• Support drafting scopes of work for subcontracted projects.
• Supervise and support S&C staff in the apprenticeship program.
• Ensure compliance with CPKC standards and procedures for maintenance and operations.
• Respond to emergencies promptly to minimize service disruptions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Posting Start Date: 8/3/26

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 changes. Your future starts here. Flexibility will be offered with an applicant’s location as we are accepting applications from candidates.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Are you a hands‑on leader with a talent for navigating fast‑paced environments and transforming obstacles into innovative solutions? As the Assistant Director of Signals & Communications (S&C) Operations, you will lead and manage both union and salaried S&C personnel. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of operations, from testing and planning to material management, inventory control, and apprenticeship supervision. Your guidance will be essential in ensuring efficient repairs and maintenance that support the safety and continuous, 24/7 operation of our trains. Additionally, you will contribute to departmental budget oversight and operational.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage all maintenance and construction activities within your designated area, including recommending regional capital improvements
• Offer mentorship and technical guidance to S&C supervisors and tradespeople, helping to advance team skills and overall effectiveness
• Contribute to the development of thorough maintenance and construction plans that meet S&C standards and Red Book guidelines
• Oversee testing operations to deliver a safe, reliable, and maintainable S&C facility, completed within budget and timelines
• Utilize the collective agreement to optimize workforce management and productivity
• Support the drafting of scopes of work for subcontracted projects
• Supervise and support S&C staff enrolled in the apprenticeship program
• Ensure full compliance with CPKC standards and procedures for maintenance, testing, commissioning, and daily operations
• Demonstrate dependability and flexibility in a round‑the‑clock operational setting, responding swiftly to emergencies to minimize service disruptions

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency; bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Electrical Engineering
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, including at least five (5) years in leadership roles overseeing complex projects, programs, or teams with a strong focus on achieving results, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A valid driver’s license is mandatory for frequent travel
• Comprehensive knowledge of CPKC’s Red Book standards, required procedures, approved signal plans, and related equipment and principles
• Hands‑on experience in signal system construction, testing, and maintenance
• Advanced analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and Word
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally

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

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
• Professional references
• Driver’s license verification and driving history

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: 106284
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Fargo, North Dakota
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 60-70%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 3
• Job Available to: Internal & External