Assistant Signals and Communications Apprentice

CPKC; Clinton (IA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and competitive benefits

Competitive pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Signals and Communications position in the United States, ensuring safe and efficient train movements. You will diagnose and repair signal equipment, perform wiring and installation tasks, and adapt timing to schedules, with strong emphasis on safety and documentation.

Eligibility includes a high school diploma, 18+ years old, and willingness to work various shifts, including nights and holidays. CDL is preferred and background in related trades is valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Background in agriculture, mechanics, electronics, electrical systems, or construction trades is a plus.
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair signal equipment such as lights, track circuits, relays, and crossing gates to maintain optimal functionality
• Perform tasks like digging, cable repair, pole line work, housekeeping, and wiring while assembling and installing signal equipment
• Identify malfunctions, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions to restore reliable operations
• Adapt signal timing to accommodate train schedules and track conditions
• Install new signal components and replace aging parts to uphold system integrity
• Maintain thorough documentation of signal operations, maintenance, and adjustments
• Monitor and ensure precise signal visibility and functionality while following safety regulations

Skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posting Start Date: 7/31/26
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

Our dynamic Signals and Communications team and play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains. As part of the crew, you’ll be tasked with maintaining and operating cutting-edge wayside signal systems, crossings, and track mechanisms. This position goes beyond routine maintenance—you will be entrusted with diagnosing malfunctions, performing essential repairs, and optimizing signal equipment to guarantee system reliability and safety. Based on CPKC's discretion and applicant’s work experience you can be placed in the Assistant Signalman, or Signalman position.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Diagnose and repair signal equipment such as lights, track circuits, relays, and crossing gates to maintain optimal functionality
• Perform tasks like digging, cable repair, pole line work, housekeeping, and wiring while assembling and installing signal equipment
• Identify malfunctions within signal systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions to restore reliable operations
• Adapt signal timing to accommodate train schedules and track conditions, ensuring efficiency and accuracy
• Install new signal components and replace aging or worn-out parts to uphold system integrity and performance
• Maintain thorough documentation of signal system operations, maintenance activities, and adjustments for compliance and operational consistency
• Monitor and ensure precise signal visibility and functionality while strictly adhering to safety regulations and standards

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid driver's license: commercial driver’s license preferred
• A background in agriculture, mechanics, electronics, electrical systems, and the construction trades is considered an asset
• Flexible availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in all weather conditions
• Strong communication skills, with a proven ability to deliver clear instructions and foster effective teamwork
• Maintains a strong commitment to safety, consistently following protocols and prioritizing the health and safety of the entire team

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 or regulated 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
• Social Security Number verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form

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: 106283
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 90-100%
• # of Positions: 3
• Compensation Rate: 34.93 per hour
• Job Available to: Internal & External