Director of Signals and Communications Operations

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 changes. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Are you a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced field environment, turning challenges into innovative solutions? As the Director of Signals and Communications (S&C) Operations, you will lead and oversee S&C operational unit. Covering CPKC’s Eastern Canada and Northeast United States properties, this role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including testing, planning, material coordination, inventory management, and oversight of 125 signal employees. Your leadership will ensure the efficient repair and maintenance required for the safe, 24/7 operation of trains. Additionally, you will manage the department's budget and operations, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and to standard.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead and guide all Signal department employees in matters of safety and training to ensure tasks are carried out safely and accidents are prevented
• Create a practical and cohesive Maintenance and Construction plan that aligns with S&C Standards and Red Book Requirements
• Oversee regulatory testing for Transport Canada and Federal Railroad Administration in alignment with CPKC’s framework
• Provide mentorship and coaching to S&C leaders and craft employees by providing technical guidance and building expertise to enhance team capability and performance
• Handle all investigations and disciplinary actions for signal employees, examining reports of safety issues, crossing and signal failures, red signal violations, and other incidents while supplying required logs and records
• Administer the Signal department's capital and overtime budgets, estimate costs for capital projects, manage material sourcing, and collaborate with the Engineering Project Management team on relevant initiatives
• Build proactive partnerships with regulatory bodies and external stakeholders, such as municipal governments, Transport Canada, Radio Amateurs of Canada, and other railroads, ensuring compliance and resolving issues effectively
• Understand the relevant business metrics and apply effective tactics to sustain a culture of operational effectiveness that produces teams of high performing, engaged and empowered operational leaders
• Exhibit reliability and flexibility in supporting a 24/7 operational environment, responding quickly to emergencies to mitigate service interruptions
• Uphold operational accountability and excellence by understanding and applying key business requirements effectively and efficiently.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency; bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 10 years of meaningful professional experience, including leading and managing sophisticated projects, programs or teams with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Extensive understanding of CPKC’s Red Book requirements, required practices, standard plans, and signal equipment & principals
• Signal system maintenance, testing and construction experience
• Knowledge and comprehension of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) collective bargaining agreements
• Strong analytical abilities paired with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and successful information exchange
• Must be eligible to work cross border in Canada and United States, with the ability to obtain necessary work permits, and be open to extensive travel

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 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).

• Req ID: 104944
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Scarborough, Ontario
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel: 80-90%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 2
• Job Available to: Internal & External

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