Assistant Director of Signals and Communications

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

Are you a proactive leader who excels at tackling challenges in dynamic, field-based environments? The Assistant Director of Signals and Communications (S&C) Operations - SOO East will oversee and guide both unionized and non-union S&C teams. This role covers CPKC's Classification Yard and Radio Shop in St. Paul, as well as properties extending to the Bensenville / Chicago Terminal, with occasional support required for the broader SOO line territory. The successful candidate will ensure the smooth operation of all aspects of signal work—including testing, planning, material handling, inventory management, and oversight of signal personnel—driving safety, reliability, and operational performance across the region.

Position Accountabilities

Create an actionable, integrated maintenance and construction plan that meets S&C Standards and Red Book requirements. Ensure compliance with CPKC's plan for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory testing and asset configuration management.

Accountable for maintenance and construction operations throughout the territory, as well as proposing capital improvement projects for the KC North region.

Manage testing operations to establish a safe, reliable, and sustainable S&C plant, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion.

Implement continuous improvements to increase reliability and lower unit cost.

Leverage the provisions of the collective agreement to enhance work management effectiveness.

Co‑ordinate activities with S&C Senior leadership team.

Ensure compliance with CPKC maintenance, testing and commissioning standards and work methods.

Oversee the implementation of CPKC's Health and Safety program in the division.

Deliver mentorship and technical coaching to S&C leaders, craft employees, and apprentices, fostering skills development and increased team performance.

Exhibit reliability and flexibility in supporting a 24 / 7 operational environment, responding quickly to emergencies to mitigate service interruptions.

Position Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Electrical Engineering.

Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience, including leading and managing sophisticated projects or programs with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum 5‑7 years of managerial experience in signal operations.

Signal system maintenance, testing and construction knowledge and experience.

Proficiency in understanding the Code of Federal Regulations parts 234 and 236.

Problem solving / strong analytics.

Proven leadership and interpersonal skills will work closely with other Operating functions as well as Regulatory Agencies at all levels.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Demonstrates the ability to work safely; has a clean safety and performance record.

What CPKC Has to Offer

Flexible and competitive benefits package.

Competitive company pension and / or retirement plans.

Employee share purchase plan.

Performance incentive plan.

Annual fitness subsidy.

Part‑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 check.

Education verification.

Professional references.

Driver's license verification and driving history.

Social Security Number verification.

Becoming a Railroader

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification / qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

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 provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Job Details

Department : Engineering

Job Type : Full‑Time

Position Type : Non‑Union

Location : St. Paul, Minnesota

Country : United States

% of Travel : 80‑90%

# of Positions : 1

Job Grade : 3

Compensation Rate : $125,000 - $135,000

Job Available to : Internal & External

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