Welder Helper

CPKC; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a skilled welder for its Laredo, Texas location to maintain machinery and perform critical fabrication and repairs across our outdoor operations. The role requires CDL-B, a journeyman welder certification, and proficiency in stick and thermite welding methods.

Candidates must read blueprints, calculate material quantities, and work safely in a team environment with travel up to 20%. This full-time, on-site position offers competitive benefits and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Class B CDL.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Journeyman welder certification.
• Expertise with welding equipment and techniques, especially stick and thermite.
• Ability to read blueprints and estimate material quantities.
• Strong math skills relevant to welding.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision cuts using oxy-acetylene torches, air gouging, and lancing to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Fabricate and fit steel components per specs, ensuring structural integrity.
• Repair bridge components by installing splice plates, reinforcing plates, angles, and other elements.
• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, repair schematics for correct methods.
• Order materials to maintain workflow and deadlines.
• Follow safety guidelines in a high-risk, team environment around heavy equipment.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Skills

Welding

Blueprint reading

Math & calculations

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma

Journeyman welder certification

Job description

Posting Start Date: 10/26/26

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

As a key member of CPKC's Engineering team, you will be responsible for maintaining the performance and reliability of our machinery and systems. In this role, you will perform preventive maintenance, assembly, inspections, repairs and troubleshoot equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations across the network. This position is ideal for a mechanically inclined individual who thrives working outdoors and is comfortable with occasional travel. Your expertise will play a vital part in supporting the success of our operations.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Perform precision cuts using oxy-acetylene torches, air gouging, and lancing techniques to ensure quality and accuracy
• Fabricate and fit steel components according to specifications, ensuring structural integrity and alignment
• Repair structural bridge components, including cracked stringers, floor beams, and perforated web members, by expertly installing splice plates, reinforcing plates, angles, and other repair elements outlined in provided schemes
• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and repair schematics to ensure correct fabrication and repair methods
• Order materials efficiently to maintain workflow and project deadlines
• Adhere to safety guidelines in a high-risk, team-oriented work environment, prioritizing vigilance when working around heavy and moving equipment
• Adapt to outdoor work conditions, performing tasks during all weather conditions, including rain, direct sunlight, and snow

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid Class B Commercial's Driver's License (CDL)
• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Possess journeyman welder certification
• Demonstrated expertise with welding equipment and a variety of welding techniques, with emphasis on stick and thermite methods
• Ability to interpret blueprints, create layout patterns for projects, and accurately calculate material quantities
• Strong proficiency in mathematical calculations relevant to the welding trade and related skills

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

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

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 or regulated 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
• Social Security Number verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form

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).

• Req ID: 106309
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Laredo, Texas
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 10-20%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $32.08
• Job Available to: Internal