Signal Electronic Technician

CPKC; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension or retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Signal and Communications technician to install, maintain, test, inspect, and repair Train Control Systems and Grade Crossing Warning Systems in a safety-sensitive environment. You will troubleshoot electronic equipment, perform software tasks, and manage FRA documentation while supporting field teams outdoors in varying weather.

The role requires a valid GROL or equivalent certification, a driver’s license, and the ability to respond to emergencies outside standard hours.

Qualifications

• Valid FCC General Radio Telephone Operators License (GROL) or equivalent certification such as ISCET
• Valid Driver’s License required to operate a company vehicle
• Ability to respond to emergent work outside of normal working hours
• Ability to occasionally work at various heights including ladders and signal masts

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, test, inspect, and repair Train Control Systems, Grade Crossing Warning Systems, and related signal apparatus per regulatory requirements
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electronic equipment and system failures with test equipment
• Perform software-related tasks including diagnostics, software burning, uploading/downloading, and event log retrieval
• Manage repair/return process for defective circuit cards and components
• Complete, manage, and maintain FRA test and inspection reports and documentation
• Provide technical support and guidance to Signal Maintainers and other staff
• Develop knowledge of Grade Crossing Warning System equipment and Train Control Systems
• Work outdoors in varying weather, interpreting and correcting signal drawings

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary education

Job description

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:

CPKC is committed to safe, reliable, 24/7 railway operations. The Signal and Communications (S&C) team supports this mission by installing, maintaining, testing, inspecting, and repairing Train Control Systems, Grade Crossing Warning Systems, and related signal equipment in compliance with FRA requirements. This role also involves troubleshooting electronic systems, supporting signal teams with technical issues, and maintaining accurate inspection documentation.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Install, maintain, construct, test, inspect, and repair Train Control Systems, Grade Crossing Warning Systems, and related signal apparatus in compliance with Canadian Pacific and FRA regulatory requirements
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electronic equipment and system failures using meters, scopes, computers, and other test equipment
• Perform software-related tasks, including diagnostics, software burning, uploading/downloading, event log retrieval, and system troubleshooting
• Manage the repair and return process for defective circuit cards and components through equipment vendors
• Complete, manage, and maintain required FRA test and inspection reports and documentation accurately
• Provide technical support and guidance to Signal Maintainers, Signal Crews, Signal Testmen, and other employees as needed
• Develop and apply knowledge of Grade Crossing Warning System equipment, including HXP’s, GCP’s, PMD’s, and Train Control Systems such as VHLC’s, VPI’s, Electro Logic’s, and Microlok’s
• Work primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions while interpreting, verifying, and correcting Signal & Communication circuit drawings and standards as needed

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Post-secondary education preferred
• Valid FCC General Radio Telephone Operators License (GROL) or equivalent certification required, such as International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
• Valid Driver’s License required to operate a company vehicle
• Ability to respond to emergent work outside of normal working hours
• Ability to occasionally work at various heights, including ladders, signal masts, and structures

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

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 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

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).

• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Available to: Internal & External