Posted on: 8/21/2026 - Application Deadline: 8/28/2026

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary
When stationed at a main terminal, the Manager, Mechanical Car is responsible for leading all mechanical operations on a day to day basis, including inspection, maintenance, and repair of freight cars and to ensure the on-time performance of trains and delivery of freight cars to meet customer requirements. This Manager may also oversee a team of supervisors stationed at remote locations (line points) and spearhead the maintenance, inspection and repair of railcars and locomotives when required outside of a main terminal (line points). Ultimately, by monitoring, supervising, and correcting the performance of both supervisory and unionized employees in a 24-7 operation, the role is crucial in ensuring the on-time performance of trains, and thus, CN’s commitment to customers.

Main Responsibilities
Safety Orientation, Compliance and Implementation

Oversee the overall application of safety processes and procedures

Validate the completion of Front Line Supervisors efficiency testing and quality audits

Conduct and follow up on accident and injury investigations and corrective action

Build safety compliance and improve safety results through a team of supervisors and unionized employees via regular efficiency testing and safety walkabouts

Provide positive and constructive feedback as well as coaching to employees

Lead the on-boarding and training activities of new employees

Develop and revise standard operational and working practices and observe workers to ensure compliance with standards

Monitor and direct the safe inspection and repair of railcars

Coach Shift Supervisors on safe and productive work procedures and validate general employee understanding

Respond to a dangerous good incident and leak in a yard. Liaise with Dangerous Goods Officer to ensure employee and public well-being is upheld

Ensure processes and point person are in place to audit and ensure compliance requirements are met (American Association of Railroads (AAR) inspections, chain inspections, qualification recertification, equipment)

Ensure an active involvement in Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) as well as ensuring subsequent follow-up

Ensure an active Involvement in Apprentice Committee Workplace Location Joint Apprentice Committee (WLJAC)

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Lead budgets, workforce productivity and manpower within CN policy

Review production and operation reports and resolve operations and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and operational delays

Oversee wrecking response to yard and line outages, working with Transportation and Engineering and direct reports to efficiently restore service to the operation

Use CN’s data to analyze car inspection and repair productivity. Establish actions to improve fleet reliability as well as efficient inspection and repair processes

Maintain teamwork and order amongst staff, contractors, and internal clients by acting with a sense of urgency to respond to issues as they may arise

Planning andOrganizingWorkload

Ensure the cohesiveness and execution of mechanical activities across the zone

Establish effective strategies and metrics to measure, control and improve freight-car reliability and availability for internal and external customers safely, and within budget constraints

Create and maintain supervisory and unionized schedules to ensure adequate staffing

Ensure the timely processing of inbound ant outbound car inspections

Direct and coordinate through subordinate supervisory personnel applying knowledge of production methods, processes, terminal layout and mechanical maintenance

Monitor inbound trains for freight cars requiring maintenance or repairs and coordinate with Transportation to ensure cars are repaired in proper sequence and order, requiring effective delegation and planning to front-line staff

Control car repair on the train or on the Repair in Place (RIP) track and in the shop

Drive freight car fleet reliability as measured by bad order status, percentage of cars available and initial terminal delay

Ensure overall utilization is maximized, as measured by productivity, attendance and labour costs

Validate proper inventory levels based on consumption

General Leadership and Supervision of both Union & Non-Union Workforce

Build and lead an effective, high performing team in a unionized workplace

Lead, plan, and control the overall repair/maintenance of freight equipment as well as purchasing





Direct and develop a group of supervisors and ensure efficient deployment of people and assets

Ensure team unity amongst supervisory and unionized workforces while adhering to all provisions of the collective agreement and ensure effective labour and union relations

Oversee Mechanical Supervisors and ensure mechanical work is performed within CN, Federal Railroad Association, Transport Canada, and AAR standards

Direct the supervision of hourly employees and ensure mechanical work is performed in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement

Manage day-to-day issues, along with hourly performance issues including conducting investigations, recommending appropriate steps to correct performance issues and responding to grievances

Lead the onboarding and training activities of new employees

Formalize work activity processes and coordinate changes and enhancements with staff and Transportation Department peers

Develop and implement action plans and goals for supervisory staff and monitor development to ensure continued improvement

Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations

Oversee Employee Performance Scorecard (EPS) process for front-line supervisors: evaluate supervisor performance and review performance expectations, actual and overall performance ratings for reports. Have EPS accountability for front-line supervisors and ensure completion

Develop and sustain the right employee behaviours with feedback, recognition, reinforcement and coaching

Working Conditions

The incumbent may be required to work on varying shifts for the operations that run 24 hours per day, 7 days a week including holidays

The work environment is primarily indoors, but can require field support outdoors

The working schedule may vary and will include weekdays, weekends and statutory holidays, based on territory requirements

Minimal travel requirements (up to 10%), which may include overnight stays away from home

The role requires to respond to some emergency situations

Requirements
Experience
Electrical and Mechanical

Experience in Electrical and Mechanical environments

Minimum 3 years experience in railroad Mechanical Shopcraft or comparable position*

Minimum 5 years supervisory experience of both unionized and non-union employees*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering*

Technician or Technologist Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical*

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Follow safety procedures, information security instructions and ESC principles to lead by example

Improve processes on a continuous basis to enhance safety, security and to reduce CN's environmental footprint

Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity

Provide timely feedback to recognize efforts, behaviours and results

Influence others with impactful communications and adapt well to its audience

Know the business and stay current with industry trends to elevate expertise and work

Track metrics to achieve ambitious targets

Apply analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance

Bilingualism: French and English*

*Any skills/attributes for these above would be considered as an asset

Technical Skills/Knowledge

Leadership, Finance/business acumen, communication, planning and organizing, problem solving and decision making, process improvement, investigation of accidents budget control and customer service (internal and external)

Comprehensive knowledge of car construction and operation, inspection and repair, operating rules, Transport Canada, AAR, and mechanical railroad operation measures

Comprehensive knowledge of car types, components and operation, inspection and repair, yard operating rules and regulatory requirements

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 safer , most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [email protected] .

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.

FAQ
Check here for answers to your CN hiring questions.

Applying for a Job at CN
Does CN offer entry-level positions?
Yes, we have many positions ranging from entry to senior levels, both in the field and in corporate and IT functions. All available positions are posted onto our Careers website.

Does CN hire students, interns, and new graduates?
Yes, Internship opportunities are posted onto our Careers website, when available.

What's the best way to apply for a position at CN?
Search and apply for a job on our Careers website. Once you've created a profile you'll be able to apply for additional openings and view the status of your application(s). We do not accept resumes by email, fax or mail.

Can I apply for more than one job at the same time?
Yes, feel free to apply to any jobs you're qualified for.

What is the rehire process for former CN employees?
The application process for a former CN employee is the same as for all other candidates.

Does CN accept foreign applicants?
CN requires that applicants be legally eligible to work in Canada or the US. This includes Citizens, Permanent Residents, or anyone in possession of a work permit with certain conditions. At this time, CN does not provide immigration assistance to foreign applicants.

My Job Application
What is my application status?
To see your application status, go to our Careers website and login to your candidate profile. It may take some time before your status is updated, as we receive a high volume of applications on a daily basis. If you are being considered for a job, you will be contacted by a member of our Recruitment Team.

Can I withdraw an application?
Yes, if you change your mind about a particular job, you may withdraw your application at any time. If you've already received a job offer, you can simply decline it.

I completed an Online Assessment, what are my next steps?
The Recruitment Team will notify you by email whether or not you will be moving on to the next step of the recruitment process, based on your online assessment results. If successful, you will be invited to the next available recruitment session hosted in the location you have applied to. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks before a session becomes available.

I was unsuccessful with the online assessment - how long must I wait before I can re-apply?
You will have to wait a period of 6 months before you are eligible to re-apply to a position that requires the same testing.

I am having technical difficulties with the online assessment.
For online assessment troubleshooting and support please contact [email protected] .

I was not selected for a job and would like feedback on my application.
Due to the high number of applications we receive, we cannot provide feedback as to why each candidate was not progressed.

Using our career site
How do I create a Careers profile?
Click the Create a Profile button in the upper right-hand corner of our Careers website and complete the form and captcha.

Can I edit a previously submitted cover letters, resumes, and/or documents?
No, once an application has been submitted, you cannot upload additional documents, revise questions, nor replace the existing resume or letters attached to that application.

I forgot my password.
If you forgot your password or need to create a new one, click on the Forgot Password link. Enter your User Name or User ID, and an email containing your password will be sent to you. Be sure to check your inbox, spam, and junk folders for the password recovery email. If you do not receive the password recovery email within 24hrs, contact your Talent Acquisition Advisor directly or send an email to [email protected] .

For all other technical issues
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with our Careers website, send us an email at [email protected] describing the technical issue(s) in detail and provide us with screenshots so that we can better assist you.

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📌 Manager, Mechanical Car (Quebec City)
🏢 Canadian National Railway
📍 Quebec City