Engineering Section Leader

CPKC; De Queen (AR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is hiring for a Section Foreman in DeQueen, Arkansas. You will lead a track crew, oversee maintenance and repairs, and ensure adherence to safety standards in a 24/7 operation. The role requires a Class B CDL, at least 21 years old, and track restoration/maintenance experience.

Role offers a safety‑first culture, strong teamwork, and opportunities for growth. Location is DeQueen, AR; travel is limited and shift work includes nights, weekends, and holidays in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Minimum of 1 year experience overseeing railroad track restoration.
• 2+ years performing basic and advanced track maintenance, primarily in main terminal areas.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate track crew activities during maintenance and repair operations, ensuring efficient task delegation and workflow.
• Regularly inspect rail tracks to promptly identify defects and assess structural integrity, minimizing hazards.
• Uphold safety regulations to maintain a safe workplace and proactively avoid accidents.
• Monitor progress of construction and maintenance projects to meet timeframes and quality standards.
• Assist in scheduling maintenance activities and coordinate with other departments to secure track access and time.
• Perform and oversee physically demanding outdoor labor in all weather conditions, including 24/7 emergency callouts within one-hour response.
• Report progress to Roadmaster and communicate with leadership and crew across channels.

Job description

Posting Start Date: 10/6/26

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

Join our dynamic Engineering team as a Section Foreman, where you'll lead a crew in maintaining and enhancing the safety and reliability of our railway tracks. In this hands‑on leadership role, you will oversee routine and complex maintenance, including the installation of rails, ties, switches, ballast, and other track materials using various tools and equipment. This position requires flexibility to work non-traditional shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in all weather conditions to support our 24/7 operations. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Supervise and coordinate track crew activities during track maintenance and repair operations, ensuring efficient task delegation and workflow
• Conduct regular inspection of rail tracks to promptly identify defects and assess structural integrity, minimizing potential hazards
• Uphold company and federal safety regulations to maintain a safe workplace and proactively avoid accidents
• Monitor progress of assigned construction and maintenance projects, ensuring completion within established timeframes and quality standards
• Support the scheduling of maintenance activities and coordinate with other departments to secure track access and time
• Perform and oversee physically demanding outdoor labor in all weather conditions, maintaining flexibility for 24/7 emergency callouts with rapid (within one-hour) response, including weekends and holidays
• Report to Roadmaster regarding work progress, track conditions, and any incidents that occur
• Maintain ongoing communication with leadership and crew members across multiple channels, while diligently following all operational and safety guidelines

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Minimum of 1 year experience overseeing railroad track restoration
• 2+ years performing basic and advanced track maintenance, primarily in main terminal areas
• Proficient at understanding and applying applicable track standards and procedural circulars
• Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, perform tasks involving grasping, turning and pulling
• Consistently adhere to safety policies and procedures, properly utilizing all required personal protective equipment

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

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: 106562
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: DeQueen, Arkansas
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $38.18
• Job Available to: Internal & External