Mechanical Lead

Canyon Spirit; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental

Vision care

Life Insurance

401(k) plan

Rail passes

Vacation time

Growth opportunities

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Canyon Spirit is seeking a Mechanical Lead to join our Denver-area operations. Reporting to the Mechanical Supervisor, you will lead maintenance and operating plans to keep equipment and facilities safe, reliable, and efficient while supporting train movements and site readiness.

You will coach teams, diagnose issues from schematics, and ensure compliance with safety standards in a 24/7 rail environment. This is a safety-sensitive role requiring vigilance and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Experience operating heavy equipment safely.
• Ability to travel regularly and work extended shifts in a 24/7 operation.
• Journeyman or Master Trades qualification is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety and ensure compliance with FRA, GCOR, GOI and host railway requirements.
• Ensure equipment readiness and availability to support train movements.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair railcars, locomotives, and facilities.
• Read schematics and maintenance instructions to diagnose issues.
• Provide coaching and foster a collaborative, respectful team environment.

Skills

Safety culture

Mechanical aptitude

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Maintenance planning

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand & power tools

Heavy equipment operation

Welding

Locomotive maintenance knowledge

Job description

Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Mechanical Supervisor, the Mechanical Lead is a key member of the Operations and Mechanical team responsible for executing maintenance and operating plans that support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of company equipment and facilities. This role contributes directly to operational excellence by maintaining equipment availability, supporting train movements, resolving mechanical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and brand standards. The Mechanical Lead demonstrates ownership, builds strong working relationships, embraces continuous improvement, and supports a positive team environment through coaching, communication, and knowledge sharing.

This position is deemed Safety Sensitive and pre-employment testing will be required. This position requires you to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, the public, property, or the environment.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety by consistently demonstrating safe work practices, complying with FRA, GCOR, GOI, host railway requirements, and company safety policies.
• Identify, protect, and report hazards, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and support workplace incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain required certifications, including company-provided First Aid, and proactively address risks that may impact team members, guests, partners, or operations.
• Model accountability and sound judgment when making decisions in safety-sensitive environments.

Operations & Equipment Availability

• Support the successful execution of operating plans by ensuring equipment readiness and availability.
• Assist with safe train movements, switching activities, and railway operations, including operating handbrakes, track switches, derails, air hoses, HEP cables, and water connections.
• Execute materials handling strategies and effectively utilize available resources to meet operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely communication, documentation, and reporting to support informed decision making and operational effectiveness.
• Adapt to changing priorities, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute ideas that enhance efficiency and reliability.

Mechanical Maintenance & Reliability

• Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, service, and repair railcars, locomotives, facilities, and related equipment.
• Read and interpret schematics, manuals, technical drawings, and maintenance instructions to diagnose issues and complete repairs.
• Execute preventative maintenance and reliability programs while ensuring work orders are completed to established quality and brand standards.
• Respond to service failures, support cross-functional repairs, and collaborate with contractors and internal partners to resolve equipment issues efficiently.
• Utilize tools, equipment, and technology effectively while continuously seeking improvements to maintenance processes and service delivery.
• Foster positive working relationships by communicating openly, sharing relevant information, and supporting team decisions.
• Provide on-the-job coaching, guidance, and technical support to team members and contractors while contributing to a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Seek feedback, participate in development initiatives, expand technical expertise, and support knowledge sharing across teams.
• Demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a solutions-focused approach when addressing challenges and changing operational needs.

What You Bring

• Strong commitment to safety, accountability, and quality workmanship.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to build trust, collaborate across functions, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to embrace change and identify innovative ways of working.
• Proficiency with computer applications and maintenance-related technologies.
• Understanding of mechanical systems including electrical and refrigeration systems.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, millwork, locomotive maintenance, railcar maintenance, railroad operations, or 480VAC three-phase electrical systems is considered an asset.

Experience & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe operation of heavy equipment, including forklifts, cranes, or similar equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe use of hand and power tools.
• Journeyman or Master Trades Qualification is an asset.
• Previous qualification under Railway Operating Rules is an asset.
• First Aid Certification is an asset.
• Ability to travel regularly, work extended shifts in a 24/7 operation, perform physically demanding work, and work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Will require frequent-weekly travel
• Hours worked per day range from 10 hours – 12 hours
• Physical demands may require lifting to 80 lbs on occasion
• Rail industrial site that requires walking and sitting throughout the day
• 24/7 operation that may require a varied work schedule

Compensation

The base salary offered for this role is $36.05 per hour.

Perks and Benefits

All team members regularly working 30 hours per week will be eligible for our group benefits plan, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision care, and Life Insurance
• Armstrong Collective is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov.
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance
• Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay
• 401(k) plan (employee contributions only)
• Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
• Two annual complimentary rail pass (beginning your 2nd season)
• Seasonal wage increases
• Growth opportunities
• Fun and inclusive team environment

We use E-Verify as part of our hiring practices to comply with having a lawful workforce.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of Creating Meaningful Moments, Being One Team, and Achieving Extraordinary Outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.

Please ensure to opt-in for text messages when you apply to receive interview updates.

#CanyonSpirit

This job description is not exhaustive of all duties and will encompass additional duties assigned. Responsibilities, title, reporting structure, and duties may be changed in response to business requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.