Signals & Communications Technician

Canadian National Railway Company; Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and benefits

Paid training and career development

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Job summary

Canadian National Railway Company is seeking a Signals & Communications Technician to install, maintain, test, replace, and repair railway signals and communications gear in diverse outdoor environments.

The role requires troubleshooting to circuit board level, use of test instruments, field support across maintenance territories, and adherence to railway operating rules. Must be able to travel and work nights/weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Outdoor labor experience preferred.
• Technician or Technologist Diploma in Communications or Electronics from a recognized technical college.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Fluent in English, written and verbal.
• Ability to follow instructions and regulations.
• Pre-employment medical including physical, vision, hearing, alcohol and drug screening.
• Criminal history, reference, education, and driver's license verification.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, test, replace, and repair railway signals and communications equipment.
• Troubleshoot to circuit board level using digital/analog meters and test instruments.
• Use field tools and document CN test and inspection reports.
• Provide field and technical support across S&C maintenance territories.
• Familiarize with S&C circuit drawings and standards.
• Coordinate repairs with equipment vendors.

Skills

Fluent English

Valid Driver's License

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Technician or Technologist Diploma in Communications or Electronics

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Qualified Rate : $40.99 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.

Signals & Communications Technician

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.
If you enjoy working outdoors in a safety-focused team environment, a rewarding career in rail maintenance might be right for you! Working with a crew in different locations, you’ll play a focal role in keeping the economy on track by ensuring that our infrastructure is safe, sound, and train-ready. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!
Job Summary

The Signals and Communication (S&C) Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, replacing, and repairing railway signals and communications equipment. The incumbent troubleshoots to analyze, isolate, and resolve any malfunctions.

Major Responsibilities

• Use digital and analog multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and common electronic test instrument for the installation, maintenance, and diagnosis of equipment problems and failures
• Use of common hand and battery-operated tools
• Troubleshoot Signals and Communications (S&C) equipment to circuit board level
• Facilitate repair and return defective circuit cards and components through equipment vendors
• Use computers for diagnostics in troubleshooting electronic equipment, software burning, software uploading and downloading, downloading event logs, and other functions
• Test, inspect, and make necessary equipment repairs as per S&C and industry standard
• Handle and document applicable CN tests and inspection reports
• Provide field and technical support as required in managed corporate data networks and in other S&C maintenance territories
• Acquire, apply, and comply with Railway Operating Rules, Safety Rules and Policies, S&C requirements and code of practices
• Become familiar with S&C circuit drawings and standards

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a combination of office and outdoor environment in various types of weather conditions
• Must be available to work night shifts and weekends when necessary
• Must be available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences
• Must be available to travel, which may include overnight stay in remote and/or isolated areas
• Must meet all medical fitness in order to work at heights on ladders and around heavy moving equipment
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labour, including long-distance driving, lift, carry, push, and pull at least 50 pounds
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and stand as well as climb vertical ladders, stairs, ramps, board and alight track equipment
• Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces such as rocks for extended periods of time and for long distances, reach above shoulders, sit occasionally for long periods, occasional scaffolding and exposures to dust, fumes, and gasses (with proper PPE)
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress

Requirements

• Experience in performing labor in an outdoor work environment
• Technician or Technologist Diploma in Communications or Electronics from a recognized technical college
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Applies critical thinking
• Communicates with impact
• Solves problems to create value
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Considers ESG principles in all operations
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Fluent in English, written and verbal
• Ability to follow instructions and regulations
• Must be able to complete a pre-employment medical that includes a physical, vision, hearing, alcohol, and drug audit assessment
• Must successfully complete criminal history check, reference check, education and Driver’s License verification

Assets

• Previous railroad experience

What We Offer

• Competitive Wages and Benefits
• Paid Training and Career Development
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance