Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic) - Canadian National Railway Company

CN is home to opportunities for skilled tradespeople who are interested in continually learning and building a career in a safety-focused, team environment. Working on state-of-the-art equipment and train cars that carry freight from coast-to-coast-to-coast, you’ll feel proud knowing you’re a part of what makes the economy work. And with paid training, you’ll be able to evolve your skills. At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Role:

The Car Mechanic Apprentice (Carman) inspects, maintains, builds, repairs and rebuilds railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with federal and company regulations. Newly hired Carmen will be considered a Carman Apprentice until they have graduated to a journeyman Carman (refer to training description below).

Critical performance areas include the following but may vary depending on the location and circumstances:

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company operating standards
  
• Perform all scheduled, on demand and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems and any associated tests.
  
• Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping.
  
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments
  
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track mobile and shop equipment.
• Prepare inspection, maintenance and work reports, and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures.

Working Conditions: 

• Irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime
  
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, performing overhead work, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 85 pounds
• Frequent climbing, balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination

Work Location:

Employees will be hired for a specific terminal. Occasionally, car mechanics may be required to work away from their assigned terminal.

Training:

Newly hired Car Mechanics (Carman) will be considered a Carman Apprentice until they have graduated to a journeyman Carman, which takes an average of 3 years, unless they have previous experience or formal training in the Carman craft which has been accepted by the Organization. Car Mechanics will take part in training which includes classroom instructions and field training during their first months of service. The training guides the new Car Mechanic through the critical safety skills required to work on the railroad. Once the classroom training is complete, the Car Mechanic will complete on the job training to enhance his/her knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory in order to work as a Car Mechanic.  During the first 120 days of employment, if an apprentice does not show the aptitude or desire to learn the trade, their application for employment may be rejected at that time.

Union:

The Car Mechanic is a unionized position requiring membership in the Organization as well as payment of initiation fees and monthly dues as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement; payroll deduction is available.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Must be 18 years of age
  
• High School diploma or GED
  
• Valid driver’s license
  
• Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position, including requirements for Safety Critical Positions established by the FRA regulation.
• Ability to pass a background investigation pertaining to federal and state criminal history, including driver history

The ideal candidate profile:

• Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience
  
• Vocational/technical training and/or knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
  
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
  
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stress
  
• Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
  
• Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
  
• Ability to determine the condition of objects/parts for wear and/or defects
  
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
  
• Basic computer skills

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. 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. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

CN is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Only qualified candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.