Machine Operator

Posting Start Date: 9/14/26 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: We are seeking a Machine Operator to set up, maintain and operate heavy machinery used in railroad track construction and maintenance. As a member of the Section Gang, you will support the laying, repair, and upkeep of standard and narrow-gauge railroad tracks in mainline service areas, plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits. Responsibilities include operating specialized equipment, such as ballast cleaning and bed tamping machines, to help maintain safe and efficient track conditions. The ideal candidate must have a strong aptitude for operating heavy machinery and willingness to travel as needed to support the assigned division. POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES: Repair and adjust track switches using appropriate tools and replacement partsCut rails to specified lengths with rail sawsOperate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen rail joint boltsDrill holes in rails, tie plates, or fishplates for bolts and spikes using power drillsClear tracks and switch boxes of debris, ice, or snowOperate spike pullers to remove old spikes from tiesGrind rail ends to achieve smooth joints using portable grindersOperate spike-driving machines to secure rails to tiesDress and reshape worn or damaged switch points or frogs with power grindersOperate vehicles that lay rails and tracks over designated sections for construction, repair, or maintenance POSITION REQUIREMENTS: At least 21 years of ageHigh school diploma or equivalencyValid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)3 + years of experience operating heavy machinery and using measurement toolsBasic understanding of machine functions and the ability to read schematics or blueprintsWillingness to travel extensively and work across multiple locationsStrong teamwork and communication skills to relay track conditions appropriate stakeholders WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER: Flexible and competitive benefits packageCompetitive company pension and/or retirement plansEmployee share purchase planAnnual fitness subsidyPart-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 checkEducation verificationDriver’s license verification and driving historySocial Security Number verificationDepartment of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form 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). Req ID: 106488Department: EngineeringJob Type: Full-TimePosition Type: UnionLocation: DeQueen, ArkansasCountry: United States% of Travel: 20-30%# of Positions: 1Compensation Rate: $34.74Job Available to: Internal & External