Machine Operator

CPKC; Texarkana (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC in Texarkana, TX seeks a Machine Operator to set up, maintain, and operate heavy equipment for railroad track construction and maintenance. You will support laying, repairing, and upkeep of standard and narrow-gauge tracks in mainline service areas, plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, with travel as needed.

The role requires operating specialized machines like ballast cleaners and bed tamping devices, a strong machinery aptitude, and a willingness to travel across multiple

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalency
• Valid Class B CDL
• 3+ years of experience operating heavy machinery and using measurement tools
• Basic understanding of machine functions and the ability to read schematics or blueprints
• Willingness to travel extensively and work across multiple locations
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to relay track conditions to stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Repair and adjust track switches using appropriate tools and replacement parts
• Cut rails to specified lengths with rail saws
• Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen rail joint bolts
• Drill holes in rails, tie plates, or fishplates for bolts and spikes using power drills
• Clear tracks and switch boxes of debris, ice, or snow
• Operate spike pullers to remove old spikes from ties
• Grind rail ends to achieve smooth joints using portable grinders
• Operate spike-driving machines to secure rails to ties
• Dress and reshape worn or damaged switch points or frogs with power grinders
• Operate vehicles that lay rails and tracks over designated sections for construction, repair, or maintenance

Skills

Heavy machinery operation

Reading blueprints/schematics

Teamwork and communication

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Class B CDL

Tools

Rail saws

Portable grinders

Spike driving machines

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:

We are seeking a Machine Operator to set up, maintain and operate heavy machinery used in railroad track construction and maintenance. As a member of the Section Gang, you will support the laying, repair, and upkeep of standard and narrow-gauge railroad tracks in mainline service areas, plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits. Responsibilities include operating specialized equipment, such as ballast cleaning and bed tamping machines, to help maintain safe and efficient track conditions. The ideal candidate must have a strong aptitude for operating heavy machinery and willingness to travel as needed to support the assigned division.

Position accountabilities:

• Repair and adjust track switches using appropriate tools and replacement parts
• Cut rails to specified lengths with rail saws
• Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen rail joint bolts
• Drill holes in rails, tie plates, or fishplates for bolts and spikes using power drills
• Clear tracks and switch boxes of debris, ice, or snow
• Operate spike pullers to remove old spikes from ties
• Grind rail ends to achieve smooth joints using portable grinders
• Operate spike-driving machines to secure rails to ties
• Dress and reshape worn or damaged switch points or frogs with power grinders
• Operate vehicles that lay rails and tracks over designated sections for construction, repair, or maintenance

Position requirements:

• At least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalency
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• 3 + years of experience operating heavy machinery and using measurement tools
• Basic understanding of machine functions and the ability to read schematics or blueprints
• Willingness to travel extensively and work across multiple locations
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to relay track conditions appropriate stakeholders

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: 106563
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Texarkana, Texas
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 20-30%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $37.76
• Job Available to: Internal & External