Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic)- EN

Qualified rate: $42.49 per hour. New hires may start at a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period.

About the role

As a Car Mechanic Apprentice at CN, you will inspect, maintain, build, and repair railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with Federal and CN’s regulations. You will be considered an apprentice until you graduate to Journey Car Mechanic. This role offers paid training and the opportunity to evolve your skills while working on equipment that supports freight distribution across North America.

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, and overhead work
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 85 pounds
• Frequent climbing, balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination
• May require working away from your assigned terminal

Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, and company operating standards
• Perform scheduled, on-request, and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, underframes, structures, safety appliances, draft systems, and 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 mobiles, and shop equipment
• Prepare inspection, maintenance, and work reports, recording details on prescribed forms

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements, including those for Safety Critical Positions established by FRA regulation
• A valid driver’s license
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations, and manage stress
• Good teamwork and positive interactions with others
• Good verbal, reading comprehension, and writing skills
• Dedication to meeting established standards of quality, safety, and client satisfaction
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
• Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Basic computer skills
• Must pass a background investigation pertaining to federal and state criminal history, including driver history

Assets

• Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience
• Vocational/technical training and/or knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules

Benefits

• Competitive wages and pension plan
• Paid training and career development
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 24/7 Telemedicine Service
• Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP)
• Educational Financial Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Extensive Employee Discount Program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)

Pay

$42.49 per hour (qualified rate). New hires may start at a lower rate during their qualifying period.

Training

Newly hired Car Mechanics participate in paid training, including:

• 3 weeks of classroom instruction at CN campus (Homewood, IL)
• 2+ weeks of on-the-job training in the shop
• 3 additional weeks of classroom instruction at CN campus (Homewood, IL)

Successful completion of the training course is required to maintain employment. An apprentice’s application may be rescinded if they do not display the aptitude or desire to learn within the first 120 days.

About CN

CN is a premium railroad committed to safety, service, and sustainability. We transport over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America annually. Our 20,000-mile rail network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South. CN is dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive, and sustainable railroad, reflecting the communities we serve.