S&C Apprentice (Illinois Central)

Canadian National Inc.; Chicago, Libertyville, Rockford (IL, IL, IL); On-site; CAD 80,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESIP plan

Pension

Benefits

RRB benefits

Job summary

The incumbent is a CN Signal Maintainer apprentice responsible for installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining railway signaling and related systems. This role requires outdoor work, physical stamina, and strict safety adherence across various sites in the Chicago area.

Apprentice training lasts one year with paid classroom sessions and progression to Signals and Communications Maintainer upon qualification, with unionized pay and benefits under the collective agreement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must hold or be able to qualify for Rail Operating Rules (ROR) qualifications.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus including interlocks and controls.
• Perform construction duties such as digging, wiring, and deploying equipment.
• Carry out highway grade crossing protection and yard operations.
• Use hand tools, test instruments, and on-track equipment to lay cables and install wiring.
• Follow CN safety policies to ensure a safe work environment.

Skills

Signal systems

Electrical knowledge

Safety awareness

Climbing/balancing

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

ROR qualifications

Job description

Please note that the language you select on this site will be the primary language used for all future communications regarding your application.

Job Location: Chicago - IL, Libertyville - IL, Rockford - IL

Qualified Rate: $41.53 Per hour

Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work that we do matters. Every day, our team of dedicated railroaders power the North American economy from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence.

If you enjoy hands‑on tasks, working outdoors, and have a safety‑first mindset, a career in railway operations might be right for you. With fresh challenges, paid training, and a host of great benefits - a career at CN means work that makes a true difference in the lives of people.

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining various signals and communications systems and apparatuses, including railway signaling systems, wayside information systems, and highway grade crossing protection systems.

Main Responsibilities

• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus, including automatic blocks, traffic controls, train stops, train controls, cab signals, and interlocking systems
• Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipment
• Perform highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yards
• Use a wide variety of hand tools, bonding rail, and testing signal plans, including on track high‑rail equipment and test instruments to bury cable and wire equipment
• Ensure a safe working environment by following CN's safety policies and procedures

Working Conditions

• Must be available for shift work, including weekends and nights
• Work is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfaces
• Regular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrations
• Must meet medical fitness for duty requirements
• Ability to grasp and work at heights and elevations
• Able to perform repetitive physical activities
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally
• Must be available to work away from home in isolated locations

Experience

• Relevant experience working in a similar environment

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Valid driver's licence
• Must hold or be able to qualify for valid Rail Operating Rules (ROR) qualifications
• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Collaborates and maintains positive interactions with others
• Ability to work independently, well organized, and maintain schedules
• Ability to understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles
• Ability to follow company safety procedures, apply critical thinking, and maintain safety awareness
• Capable of making effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and when responding to changes, as well as interruptions in work processes
• Ability to judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Meet established standards of quality, productivity, and client satisfaction
• Hand-eye coordination
• Good climbing and balancing skills for performing installation and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules
• Basic computer knowledge

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent receives 3 weeks classroom training sessions at 40 hours per week at the CN Campus during the one-year apprentice training program. The training is primarily on health and safety rules, standard codes of practice, installation methods, testing and maintenance procedures, and equipment familiarization. Successful completion of the classroom training is mandatory to work as a Signal Maintainer. Once qualified, the role is subject to promotion as a Signals and Communications Maintainer and protect seniority as vacancies arise.This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [e-mail].

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.