Signals & Communications Technician (A)

Canadian National Inc.; Escanaba (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee share investment plan (ESIP)

Pension

Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)

Benefits

Job summary

Canadian National Inc. in Michigan is seeking a skilled maintenance technician to inspect, repair, install, and maintain shop equipment and railway systems, ensuring safe and reliable operations.

The role involves preventive maintenance and troubleshooting in CN’s 24/7 network, with paid training and a competitive hourly rate. You will read wiring diagrams, use meters and diagnostic tools, document work orders, and follow CN safety policies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of recognized electrical, electronic, mechanical, industrial maintenance program or equivalent work experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, troubleshoot, repair, install, and maintain shop equipment and railway systems.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance including lubrication and calibration.
• Read wiring diagrams, schematics, and manufacturer specs to guide work.
• Document defects, repairs, and parts requirements using CN systems.
• Ensure compliance with CN safety policies and lockout/tagout.
• Use hand and power tools, meters, and diagnostic equipment safely.
• Work irregular shifts to support 24/7 railway operations.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and work in various environments.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Shop maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Reading schematics

Safety compliance

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Technical program certificate

Driver's license

Tools

Meters

Diagnostic tools

Lifting devices

Shop machinery

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.

Qualified Rate: $48.60 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.

Join us today and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The incumbent inspects, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, installs, and maintains shop equipment, electrical and electronic systems, mechanical components, tools, and related railway equipment used to support safe and reliable operations. The role helps maintain equipment availability and shop productivity by completing preventive and corrective maintenance in accordance with CN standards, manufacturer specifications, applicable regulations, and safe work procedures.

Main Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, troubleshoot, repair, install, and maintain shop equipment, electrical and electronic systems, mechanical components, tools, and related railway equipment.
• Perform preventive, corrective, and on‑request maintenance, including adjustments, component replacements, lubrication, calibration, cleaning, and minor fabrication or modification work within the scope of the role.
• Diagnose equipment failures and malfunctions involving electrical circuits, controls, motors, lighting, batteries, chargers, power distribution, mechanical drives, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and related components.
• Read and apply wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, work instructions, manufacturer specifications, and CN standards to complete authorized maintenance and repair work.
• Use hand tools, power tools, meters, testing instruments, diagnostic equipment, lifting devices, shop machinery, and other maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
• Identify, record, and report equipment defects, safety concerns, repair progress, parts requirements, and equipment status in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare inspection, maintenance, repair, and work records accurately and in a timely manner using prescribed forms and systems.
• Comply with CN safety policies, environmental requirements, railway operating rules, lockout and tagout requirements, electrical safety procedures, and safe work practices while working in shops, yards, and railway operating environments.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work irregular shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime to support 24/7 railway operations.
• Work is performed in shop, yard, and outdoor railway environments in various weather and environmental conditions.
• The role may work around moving equipment, energized electrical components, machinery, tools, noise, vibration, dust, fumes, grease, oil, and active railway operations.
• The role may require working at heights, in confined or restricted spaces, on uneven surfaces, and near equipment that must be isolated, locked out, or protected before work begins.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching, performing overhead work, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds (22 kg) are required.
• The incumbent must comply with safe work procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, and all applicable safety rules and policies.
• Respirator use is required for certain tasks, with periodic audiometric testing and respirator fit testing conducted as needed.

Experience

• Experience inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and maintaining electrical, electronic, mechanical, shop, or industrial equipment.

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Completion of a recognized electrical, electronic, mechanical, industrial maintenance, or related technical program, apprenticeship, or equivalent work experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Technical knowledge of electrical circuits, controls, motors, power distribution, electronic components, mechanical systems, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and related maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, work instructions, and manufacturer specifications.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, testing instruments, diagnostic equipment, lifting devices, and shop machinery safely and effectively.
• Ability to work safely in a safety‑sensitive railway environment, follow direction, collaborate with others, communicate information clearly, and meet established standards for quality, safety, and reliability.
• Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the role, including safety‑sensitive requirements.

• Technical knowledge of electrical circuits, controls, motors, power distribution, electronic components, mechanical systems, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and related maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, work instructions, and manufacturer specifications.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, testing instruments, diagnostic equipment, lifting devices, and shop machinery safely and effectively.
• Ability to work safely in a safety‑sensitive railway environment, follow direction, collaborate with others, communicate information clearly, and meet established standards for quality, safety, and reliability.
• Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the role, including safety‑sensitive requirements.

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

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent must complete all training, qualification, safety, rules, technical, lockout and tagout, electrical safety, and equipment‑specific instruction required by the company. Successful completion and ongoing compliance with training requirements are essential for the safe and effective performance of the role.

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.