Electronic Technician

CPKC; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 47,768,280 - 56,199,192; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is hiring an Electronic Technician to install, test, and commission radio and base station equipment, wired and wireless communications, and train control systems across the network. The role emphasizes reliability and safety in operations.

The position supports transmission, signaling, and station systems while working with Maintainers, Communications crews, and other S&C staff to resolve technical issues and ensure compliance with FRA standards.

Qualifications

• Formal electronics training required, such as an associate degree, military training, or equivalent specialized electronic education.
• Valid FCC GROL or equivalent certification.
• Flexible to work nights, weekends, and holidays, in all weather, and work both independently and in a team.
• Strong safety focus and adherence to protocols.

Responsibilities

• Climb vertical ladders, stairs, ramps and access equipment.
• Repair or replace damaged equipment and test operation of electronic systems.
• Use meters, scopes and test equipment to diagnose problems.
• Troubleshoot electronics to component level.
• Facilitate repair and return of bad order cards and components.
• Use computers for diagnostics, software burning/updating, and log retrieval.
• Test, inspect and repair communication systems per FRA regulations.
• Manage and document test and inspection reports.
• Support Maintainers and Communications Crew with technical issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety focus

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree or equivalent electronics training

Tools

VHF radio

Data/carrier systems

Telephone systems

End of Train/Head of Train devices

Switchboards

Defect detectors

Signaling systems

Job description

Posting Start Date: 7/24/26

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

CPKC operates around the clock delivering safe, dependable railway service, with the Signal and Communications (S&C) team serving as a key contributor within Engineering Operations. The Electronic Technician supports the installation, construction, testing, and commissioning of radio and base station equipment, wired and wireless communication systems, wayside detection technology, and train control systems. Through this work, the position helps maintain the reliability of critical infrastructure and supports the safe, efficient movement of trains across the network.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Climb vertical ladders, stairs, ramps & getting on & off-track equipment
• Repair and/or replace damaged equipment, test and verify accurate operation of electronic systems and equipment
• Perform Use meters, scopes, and other various types of test equipment to diagnose equipment problems and failures
• Troubleshoot equipment to component level
• Facilitate repair and return of bad order circuit cards and components through equipment vendors
• Use computers for diagnostics in troubleshooting electronic equipment, software burning, software uploading/downloading, downloading event logs, and other various functions
• Test, inspect, and repair Communication Systems to meet requirements set forth by CPKC and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory requirements
• Manage and document applicable test and inspection reports
• Support Maintainers, Communications Crew, and other S&C employees in their duties and with technical issues

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Valid driver's license to operate company vehicle; commercial driver’s license is preferred
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with VHF radio, data/carrier systems, telephone systems, End of Train/Head of Train devices, switchboards, defect detectors, and signaling systems in railroad or similar industries
• Formal electronics training required, such as an associate degree, military training, or equivalent specialized electronic education
• Valid Federal Communications Commission General Radio Telephone Operators License (GROL) or equivalent certification, such as International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
• Flexible and dependable to work nights, weekends, and holidays—in any weather, while consistently delivering strong performance both independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication skills, with a proven ability to deliver clear instructions and foster effective teamwork
• Demonstrate strong safety focus by following protocols and prioritizing team health and safety

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: 106139
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $34.675 - $40.795/hr.
• Job Available to: Internal & External