Diesel Mechanic - Machinist

CPKC; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC in Davenport, Iowa is seeking a Diesel Mechanic (Machinist) to keep locomotives moving and communities connected. You will perform preventative and scheduled maintenance, diagnose issues, and interpret schematics to ensure safety and reliability across a national network.

The role requires at least 2 years of mechanical experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work varied shifts. CPKC emphasizes safety, teamwork, and career advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in mechanics.
• Preference for heavy duty diesel mechanics.
• Able to work nights, weekends and holidays in all weather.
• Must read and understand safety instructions in English.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, service, test, and repair locomotive systems with precision and safety.
• Diagnose diesel engine issues and perform repairs per standards.
• Interpret blueprints, diagrams, and manuals to complete tasks efficiently.
• Evaluate parts for reuse, repair, or replacement to ensure reliability.
• Perform welding, adjustments, and calibrations on mechanical components.
• Modify and assemble mechanical structures to meet requirements.
• Conduct low-voltage repairs on locomotive electrical systems.
• Service locomotive cabs, keeping them clean, safe, and comfortable.
• Operate overhead cranes, mobile cranes, forklifts, and hand tools safely.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Reading safety instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posting Start Date: 9/21/26
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

As a Diesel Mechanic (Machinist), you play a vital role in keeping our locomotives moving and our communities connected. Your expertise ensures the reliability and safety of an essential transportation network. In this fast-paced, safety-first environment, you’ll tackle complex challenges, perform preventative and scheduled maintenance, and apply your mechanical skills to solve problems that keep freight flowing across the country. If you thrive on precision, and making a real impact, this is your opportunity to progress.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Maintain, inspect, service, test, and repair all locomotive systems with precision to ensure peak performance and uncompromising safety
• Diagnose diesel engine issues accurately and execute repairs in full compliance with regulatory standards and company guidelines
• Interpret and apply blueprints, schematic diagrams, and detailed service manuals to complete tasks efficiently and effectively
• Evaluate parts thoroughly to determine whether they should be reused, repaired, or replaced, ensuring optimal reliability
• Perform expert welding, adjustments, and calibrations on mechanical components to maintain proper functionality
• Skillfully modify and assemble mechanical structures to meet operational requirements and enhance performance
• Conduct meticulous low-voltage repairs on locomotive electrical systems to guarantee dependable operation
• Service locomotive cabs comprehensively, maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for operators
• Operate overhead cranes, mobile cranes, forklifts, and hand tools safely and effectively to support maintenance activities

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Valid driver’s license
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in mechanics
• Preference will be given to those who possess heavy duty diesel mechanics
• 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
• Proven dedication to safety, consistently adhering to all guidelines, rules, and regulatory standards
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise instructions and collaborate effectively in a team environment

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: 106516
• Department: Mechanical Car
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Davenport, Iowa
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $35.90
• Job Available to: Internal & External