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 results-driven leader who tackles problems head-on in a dynamic field setting? The Assistant Director of Signals and Communications (S&C) Operations is responsible for leading and overseeing both unionized and non-union S&C personnel within the Kansas City North division, which extends from Springfield, IL to Dallas, TX as needed. This position manages all facets of signals and communications activities, including testing, planning, material handling, inventory management, and supervision of signal employees. The primary work location for this role is flexible and can be located anywhere within the designated division.

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

• Req ID: 105121
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 80-90%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 3
• Compensation Rate:
• Job Available to: Internal & External

#LI-ONSITE

#LI-KD1