Director, Engineering Certifications and Standards- EN

Hiring salary range: $164,000.00 - $198,975.00. Salaries are determined individually based on skills and experience.

About the role

You will create and maintain CN’s inspection standards and support CN’s accident prevention objectives. The role acts as the primary liaison between senior leadership and regulatory agencies, guiding regulatory innovation and continuous improvement related to engineering-caused rail equipment incidents. You will lead, coach, and mentor a team delivering in-field Engineering audits, competency oversight, and programs focused on Track infrastructure. The role oversees technical and safety certifications, ensuring CN maintains high standards for training, certification, and field audit procedures. You will ensure Engineering employees are trained, evaluated, and qualified to perform work in compliance with regulatory requirements, CN standards, and safe operating practices. The role also ensures CN’s engineering standards related to inspection and accident prevention remain appropriate, current, and effectively reflected in training programs and field practices. You will be responsible for inspection workforce rightsizing and work across the system to balance appropriate metrics and workload across the inspection team. The role monitors day-to-day field training delivery and progression, oversees implementation and ongoing compliance training, and coordinates schedules with local Engineering and Operations leadership. In addition to people leadership responsibilities, you will participate in field coaching, performance evaluation, and hands-on training delivery.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning
  • Create and deploy industrial engineering regulatory modernization across the Engineering team by integrating standards with evolving railway compliance requirements to support future-ready operations.
  • Lead strategic manpower rightsizing initiatives by optimizing workforce planning to align with heavy maintenance demands, capital projects, and operational efficiency goals.
  • Select, create, and drive accident prevention programs by embedding predictive safety measures, advanced diagnostics, and risk management into the Engineering strategy.
• Management of Staff and Incoming Trainees
  • Lead, coach, and mentor Engineering Field Trainers and/or Auditors delivering Track-related training programs.
  • Develop training schedules and coordinate class dates with Engineering Operations, local supervisors, and project teams.
  • Monitor training delivery, trainee progress, and qualification status across regions.
  • Evaluate field performance of Engineering employees to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and Engineering standards.
  • Oversee the development and execution of individual training and development plans.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and document performance to ensure training quality, consistency, and accuracy.
  • Address and resolve issues arising during field training delivery, including safety, performance, and compliance concerns.
• Program, Curriculum, and Compliance Management
  • Evaluate Engineering field training programs and curricula independently or in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
  • Ensure training materials, job aids, and reference documents are current and aligned with Engineering Track standards.
  • Modify programs based on regulatory changes, audit findings, and operational needs.
  • Review CN’s engineering standards related to inspection and accident prevention to ensure they remain appropriate and aligned with operational, regulatory, and training requirements.
  • Ensure all training activities, qualifications, and certifications are accurately recorded in the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Prepare and present compliance reports and training metrics to senior Engineering leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Continuous Communication
  • Provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
  • Act as the primary liaison between Operations and Engineering leaders.
  • Assess training needs arising from operational, safety, and infrastructure priorities.
  • Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on recruitment, onboarding, and training readiness.
  • Engage with internal partners and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, as required.

Working Conditions

The role has irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You will work in a combination of an office environment and outdoors in various weather and environmental conditions. The role requires travel for company business without advance notice, which may include responding to unexpected emergency or urgent situations. Regular travel, up to 50%, across Canada and the U.S. to deliver training is required.

Requirements

• Experience
  • Minimum of 10 years of railway Engineering experience with a strong focus on Track maintenance, inspection, or construction.
  • Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and evaluating field employees.
  • Experience leading or coordinating training programs in an operational environment.
  • Experience with behavior-based safety principles and leadership.
  • People management or team leadership experience.
• Education/Certification/Designation
  • High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
  • Valid Driver’s Licence.
  • Track-related Engineering or technical certifications/designations are considered assets.
• Competencies
  • Communicates with impact
  • Develops self and others
  • Provides recognition
  • Collaborates with others and shares information
  • Demonstrates agility and drives change
  • Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
  • Sets direction and inspires others
• Technical Skills/Knowledge
  • Strong knowledge of Engineering Track operations and field practices.
  • Knowledge of training methodologies, coaching techniques, and adult learning principles.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements impacting Engineering Track activities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Proficiency with internal systems, such as SAP and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Benefits

• Annual bonus
• Employee Share Investment Program (ESIP)
• Pension
• Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)
• Other perks

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 a 20,000-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.