Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic)- EN

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, 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 powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

About the Role

The Car Mechanic Apprentice is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, building, and repairing railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with Federal and CN’s regulations. The incumbent is considered a Car Mechanic Apprentice until they have graduated to Journey Car Mechanic.

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
• May be required to work away from assigned terminal

Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, and company operating standards
• Perform all scheduled, on-request, and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, 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

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 for the position, including requirements for Safety Critical Positions established by the FRA regulation
• A valid driver’s license
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations, and manage stress
• Demonstrates good teamwork and maintains positive interactions with others
• Good verbal, reading comprehension, and writing skills
• Dedicated to getting the job done while 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
• Ability to 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

Pay

Qualified rate: $42.49 per hour. New hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, benefits, 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)

Training

Newly hired Car Mechanics will take part in paid 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 their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the training course is essential to maintain employment as a Car Mechanic.

Training structure:

• 3 weeks in CN campus (Homewood, IL)
• 2+ weeks in shop (on-the-job training)
• 3 weeks in CN campus (Homewood, IL)

An apprentice’s application may be rescinded if they do not display the aptitude or desire to learn within the first 120 days of their employment.