CPKC
Assistant Director of Signals and Communications
CPKC, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
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 Are you a proactive leader who excels at tackling challenges in dynamic, field-based environments? The Assistant Director of Signals and Communications (S&C) Operations – SOO East will oversee and guide both unionized and non-union S&C teams. This role covers CPKC’s Classification Yard and Radio Shop in St. Paul, as well as properties extending to the Bensenville/Chicago Terminal, with occasional support required for the broader SOO line territory. The successful candidate will ensure the smooth operation of all aspects of signal work-including testing, planning, material handling, inventory management, and oversight of signal personnel-driving safety, reliability, and operational performance across the region.
Position Accountabilities
Create an actionable, integrated maintenance and construction plan that meets S&C Standards and Red Book requirements. Ensure compliance with CPKC’s plan for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory testing and asset configuration management
Accountable for maintenance and construction operations throughout the territory, as well as proposing capital improvement projects for the KC North region
Manage testing operations to establish a safe, reliable, and sustainable S&C plant, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion
Implement continuous improvements to increase reliability and lower unit cost
Leverage the provisions of the collective agreement to enhance work management effectiveness
Co-ordinate activities with S&C Senior leadership team
Ensure compliance with CPKC maintenance, testing and commissioning standards and work methods
Oversee the implementation of CPKC’s Health and Safety program in the division
Deliver mentorship and technical coaching to S&C leaders, craft employees, and apprentices, fostering skills development and increased team performance
Exhibit reliability and flexibility in supporting a 24/7 operational environment, responding quickly to emergencies to mitigate service interruptions
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Electrical Engineering
Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience, including leading and managing sophisticated projects or programs with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 5-7 years of managerial experience in signal operations
Signal system maintenance, testing and construction knowledge and experience
Proficiency in understanding the Code of Federal Regulations parts 234 and 236
Problem solving / strong analytics
Proven leadership and interpersonal skills will work closely with other Operating functions as well as Regulatory Agencies at all levels
Must have a valid driver’s license
Demonstrates the ability to work safely; has a clean safety and performance record
What CPKC Has to Offer
Flexible and competitive benefits package
Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
Employee share purchase planPerformance 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
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 provide, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Recruitment Information
Req ID: 105290
Department: Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Type: Non-Union
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Country: United States
% of Travel: 80-90%
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: 3
Compensation Rate: $125,000 – $135,000
Job Available to: Internal & External
Location St Paul 1, MN, US, 55106
CPKC
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Purpose of the Position Are you a proactive leader who excels at tackling challenges in dynamic, field-based environments? The Assistant Director of Signals and Communications (S&C) Operations – SOO East will oversee and guide both unionized and non-union S&C teams. This role covers CPKC’s Classification Yard and Radio Shop in St. Paul, as well as properties extending to the Bensenville/Chicago Terminal, with occasional support required for the broader SOO line territory. The successful candidate will ensure the smooth operation of all aspects of signal work-including testing, planning, material handling, inventory management, and oversight of signal personnel-driving safety, reliability, and operational performance across the region.
Position Accountabilities
Create an actionable, integrated maintenance and construction plan that meets S&C Standards and Red Book requirements. Ensure compliance with CPKC’s plan for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory testing and asset configuration management
Accountable for maintenance and construction operations throughout the territory, as well as proposing capital improvement projects for the KC North region
Manage testing operations to establish a safe, reliable, and sustainable S&C plant, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion
Implement continuous improvements to increase reliability and lower unit cost
Leverage the provisions of the collective agreement to enhance work management effectiveness
Co-ordinate activities with S&C Senior leadership team
Ensure compliance with CPKC maintenance, testing and commissioning standards and work methods
Oversee the implementation of CPKC’s Health and Safety program in the division
Deliver mentorship and technical coaching to S&C leaders, craft employees, and apprentices, fostering skills development and increased team performance
Exhibit reliability and flexibility in supporting a 24/7 operational environment, responding quickly to emergencies to mitigate service interruptions
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Electrical Engineering
Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience, including leading and managing sophisticated projects or programs with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 5-7 years of managerial experience in signal operations
Signal system maintenance, testing and construction knowledge and experience
Proficiency in understanding the Code of Federal Regulations parts 234 and 236
Problem solving / strong analytics
Proven leadership and interpersonal skills will work closely with other Operating functions as well as Regulatory Agencies at all levels
Must have a valid driver’s license
Demonstrates the ability to work safely; has a clean safety and performance record
What CPKC Has to Offer
Flexible and competitive benefits package
Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
Employee share purchase planPerformance 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
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 provide, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Recruitment Information
Req ID: 105290
Department: Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Type: Non-Union
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Country: United States
% of Travel: 80-90%
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: 3
Compensation Rate: $125,000 – $135,000
Job Available to: Internal & External
Location St Paul 1, MN, US, 55106
CPKC
#J-18808-Ljbffr