CN

Director, Mechanical Technology

CN  •  $164k - $199k/yr  •  Homewood, AL / Homewood, IL (Onsite)  •  5 hours ago
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Job Description

Hiring Salary Range : $ 164,000.00 - 198,975.00

This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

At CN,everyday brings new and exciting challenges You can expect an interestingenvironment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safelyhelping keep the economy on trackWe 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 TEAMThe careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

The incumbent is accountable for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of locomotive and car technologies, with a strong focus on advancing CN’s technology innovation and implementation in the areas of locomotive, wayside detection network, and maturing data-driven analytics capabilities. The role leads the integration of engineering, detection systems, and analytics to improve safety, end-of-life asset extension, reliability, decarbonization, and network efficiency and performance.

The role is responsible for translating emerging technologies into practical field applications—advancing next-generation locomotive platforms, strengthening the wayside detection ecosystem, and ensuring data is effectively leveraged to drive timely and accurate decisions. The role builds and executes a clear technology roadmap aligned to asset lifecycle needs, operational efficiency, and network velocity, while reducing failures, disruptions, and total cost of ownership.

Main Responsibilities

Detection, Technology & Engineering

·Identify and develop opportunities to enhance locomotive and wayside detection capabilities through both technology and process improvements

·Own the end-to-end lifecycle for mechanical technology development—covering locomotives, wayside detection systems (e.g., WILD, ABD), onboard sensing, and supporting analytics platforms

·Lead the design, field deployment, and scaling of locomotive platforms (low, medium, and high horsepower, including alternate propulsion) alongside detection and monitoring technologies

·Drive the maturation of detection logic and data analytics to improve defect accuracy, reduce false alarms, and enable earlier intervention

·Integrate wayside and onboard data streams into actionable insights that support maintenance planning, operational decision-making, and failure prevention

·Analyze performance trends and field data to continuously refine detection thresholds, maintenance strategies, and system reliability

·Lead cross-functional execution from concept through implementation, including capital planning, pilot programs, field validation, and network-wide rollout

·Partner with OEMs and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of equipment design, maintenance programs, and performance expectations

·Establish and track KPIs tied to detection effectiveness, asset reliability, and network impact

·Support AAR engagement, industry data reporting, and maintenance program documentation

·Collaborate with regulatory bodies (FRA, TC) to support approvals, waivers, and the safe introduction of new technologies into service

Strategy

·Develop and maintain a practical technology roadmap for locomotives, detection systems, and analytics platforms, aligned with business priorities

·Advance the integration of wayside detection and data analytics into a cohesive, network-wide detection strategy

·Evaluate and implement emerging technologies with a focus on scalable, field-proven solutions rather than theoretical applications

·Lead efforts to strengthen CN’s data foundation—ensuring detection data is reliable, accessible, and used consistently across the network

·Drive the evolution from reactive and preventive maintenance toward predictive and condition-based approaches

·Develop strategies that improve safety, network fluidity, and asset utilization through better detection coverage and data visibility

·Build organizational capability in data-driven decision-making, including technical skill development and adoption of new tools

·Provide clear direction and alignment across Mechanical, I&T, and Operations to ensure successful execution of technology initiatives

Financial

·Own capital planning and prioritization for wayside detection systems, locomotive technology investments, and supporting infrastructure

·Ensure disciplined investment in technologies that demonstrate measurable operational and safety benefits

·Improve total cost of ownership by increasing detection reliability, reducing unnecessary stops, and targeting high-impact defects

·Align detection investments with locomotive and car fleet lifecycle strategies

·Monitor and deliver value through reduced failures, improved network performance, and avoided incidents

·Drive cost efficiency through better targeting of maintenance interventions and optimization of inspection processes

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and manage competing priorities. The role requires up to 40% travel within Canada and the United States (U.S.).

Requirements

Experience

·Minimum 10 years of experience in the railroad/transportation/adjacent industry

·Minimum 5 years leading large-scale engineering, technology, or data-driven initiatives

Education/Certification/Designation

·Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Production Management, or equivalent experience

Competencies

·Collaborates with others and shares information

·Seeks and values different perspectives

·Sets direction and engages teams

·Communicates clearly and effectively

·Demonstrates adaptability and drives change

·Focuses on practical innovation

·Understands the business and operational environment

·Applies strong critical thinking

·Delegates effectively and builds accountability

·Develops talent and supports growth

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·Understanding of locomotive systems, wayside detection technologies, and mechanical reliability principles

·Strong working knowledge of data analytics, including trend analysis, performance monitoring, and reliability engineering

·Experience with integrating operational data into business decisions and maintenance practices

·Project and program management capability across complex, cross-functional initiatives

·Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills

·Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

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. 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 cnrecruitment@cn.ca

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.

CN

About CN

CN is a North American transportation and logistics leader focused on supply chain innovation and collaboration. We offer integrated shipping solutions, including rail, intermodal, trucking, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution.

We are an engaged corporate citizen, committed to the safety of our employees, customers and the public. CN is invested in building shareholder value and stronger communities, focused on environmental stewardship and developing an exceptional environment in the workplace.

CN has the expertise, the network reach and the capacity to move your goods to a global marketplace in a safe, timely and cost effective manner.

Welcome to CN, North America's Railroad.

Industry
Transportation & Logistics
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Montreal, CA
Year Founded
1919
Website
cn.ca
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