Senior Specialist Signals & Communications Design

Canadian National Inc.; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 88,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Employee share investment program (ES•

Pension

Benefits

Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)

Job summary

Canadian National Inc. in Pontiac, MI, seeks a Senior Specialist Signals & Communications Design to oversee mechanical operations, inspections, and repair coordination to ensure on-time trains and reliable freight delivery.

The role entails safety leadership, budget management, and supervision of frontline staff in a 24/7 setting, collaborating across teams to drive performance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Experience leading mechanical operations and supervising union and non-union staff.
• Strong knowledge of safety, inspections, and railcar/ locomotive maintenance standards.
• Ability to manage budgets, onboarding, and workforce planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety orientation and ensure compliance with required standards.
• Oversee inspections, automation and repair of railcars and locomotives.
• Coach frontline supervisors and coordinate training.
• Respond to incidents and support corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and productivity across shifts.

Skills

Leadership

Finance/business acumen

Communication

Planning and organizing

Problem solving

Decision making

Process improvement

Budget control

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Technician or Technologist Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical

Tools

SRS

SAP

PAP

RTBI

DataCity

SmartYard

Excel

Word

Job description

Senior Specialist Signals & Communications Design

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

Job Description Create alert for similar job Senior Specialist Signals & Communications Design Req Id: 1063 Job Location: Pontiac - MI Business Unit: Operations Highest Level Division: Engineering Posting Start Date: 10/9/26 Posting End Date: 10/16/2026 11:59 EDT French/English Bilingual Requirement: No Hiring Salary Range: $88000 - 115000 This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks. At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers. Join us today and get your career moving!

Job Summary

When stationed at a main terminal, the incumbent is responsible for leading all mechanical operations on a day-to-day basis, including inspection, maintenance, and repair of freight cars and to ensure the on-time performance of trains and delivery of freight cars to meet customer requirements. This Manager may also oversee a team of supervisors stationed at remote locations (line points) and spearhead the maintenance, inspection and repair of railcars and locomotives when required outside of a main terminal (line points). Ultimately, by monitoring, supervising, and correcting the performance of both supervisory and unionized employees in a 24-7 operation, the role is crucial in ensuring the on-time performance of trains, and thus, CN's commitment to customers.

Main Responsibilities

• Safety Orientation, Compliance and Implementation
• Oversee safety processes, procedures, efficiency testing and quality audits
• Lead accident and injury investigations, corrective actions, safety walkabouts and employee coaching
• Develop operating practices and ensure safe, compliant railcar inspection and repair
• Coach Front-Line Supervisors (FLS) and lead employee onboarding and training
• Respond to dangerous goods incidents with DG Officers to protect employees and the public
• Maintain compliance with AAR inspections, chain inspections, recertification and equipment requirements
• Support Joint Health and Safety and Workplace Location Joint Apprentice committees and follow-up actions

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Manage budgets, workforce productivity and staffing
• Review operational reports and resolve maintenance issues to reduce costs and delays
• Coordinate wrecking response with Transportation and Engineering to restore service
• Analyze inspection and repair data and implement actions that improve fleet reliability and efficiency
• Maintain effective teamwork among employees, contractors and internal clients

Planning and Organizing Workload

• Ensure mechanical activities are executed safely across the zone and within budget
• Establish strategies and metrics to improve freight-car reliability and availability
• Maintain supervisory and unionized schedules and adequate staffing
• Ensure timely inbound and outbound inspections and coordinate repair priorities with Transportation
• Direct repairs on trains, RIP tracks and in the shop
• Improve fleet availability and terminal performance through productivity, attendance and labour-cost management
• Maintain appropriate inventory based on consumption

General Leadership and Supervision of Union and Non-Union Workforce

• Build and lead a high-performing team and manage employee performance
• Plan and control freight-equipment repair, maintenance and purchasing activities
• Develop FLS and deploy people and assets efficiently
• Maintain effective labour relations and comply with collective agreements
• Ensure work meets CN, FRA, Transport Canada and AAR standards
• Supervise hourly employees, investigate issues, recommend corrective actions and address grievances
• Lead onboarding, training and operational change
• Set goals and action plans and reinforce continuous improvement through feedback, recognition and coaching

Working Conditions

The incumbent may be required to work varying shifts in support of operations that run 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, including holidays. The work environment is primarily indoors, but the role may require outdoor field support. The working schedule may vary and may include weekdays, weekends, and statutory holidays based on territory requirements. Minimal travel is required, up to 10%, and may include overnight stays away from home. The role also requires responding to some emergency situations.

Experience

• Electrical and Mechanical
• Experience in Electrical and Mechanical environments
• Minimum 3 years of experience in railroad Mechanical Shopcraft or comparable position*
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience of both unionized and non-union employees*
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver's Licence
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering*
• Technician or Technologist Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical*
• Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education, or training will be considered

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• We Lead Responsibly
• Vision and strategic thinking
• Impactful and inclusive leadership
• Performance and value delivery
• Empowerment and talent development
• Strategic communication and influence
• Managerial courage and decisiveness
• Compliance
• High
• Planning
• Coordination
• Prioritization

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Leadership, Finance/business acumen, communication, planning and organizing, problem solving and decision making, process improvement, investigation of accidents budget control and customer service (internal and external)
• Billing requirements
• General Microsoft computer skills (Excel, Word), SRS, SAP, PAP, RTBI, DataCity, SmartYard
• Comprehensive knowledge of car construction and operation, inspection and repair, operating rules, Transport Canada, AAR, and mechanical railroad operation measures
• Comprehensive knowledge of car types, components and operation, inspection and repair, yard operating rules and regulatory requirements

Additional Information (If Any)

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