Director, Engineering Certifications and Standards
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 . Y ou can expect a n interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running opti mally and safely - helping keep the economy on track . W e provide the kind of paid training and opportunit ies 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, safe ty-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM . The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
The incumbent is responsible for creating and maintaining CN's inspection standards and supporting CN's accident prevention objectives. The role acts as the primary liaison between senior leadership and regulatory agencies, guiding regulatory innovation and continuous improvement related to engineering-caused rail equipment incidents. The incumbent leads, coaches, and mentors a team delivering in-field Engineering audits, competency oversight, and programs focused on Track infrastructure. The role oversees technical and safety certifications, ensuring CN maintains high standards for training, certification, and field audit procedures. The incumbent ensures Engineering employees are trained, evaluated, and qualified to perform work in compliance with regulatory requirements, CN standards, and safe operating practices. The role also ensures CN's engineering standards related to inspection and accident prevention remain appropriate, current, and effectively reflected in training programs and field practices. The incumbent is responsible for inspection workforce rightsizing and works across the system to balance appropriate metrics and workload across the inspection team. The role monitors day-to-day field training delivery and progression, oversees implementation and ongoing compliance training, and coordinates schedules with local Engineering and Operations leadership. In addition to people leadership responsibilities, the incumbent participates in field coaching, performance evaluation, and hands-on training delivery.
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Main Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
• Create and deploy industrial engineering regulatory modernization across the Engineering team by integrating standards with evolving railway compliance requirements to support future-ready operations.
• Lead strategic manpower rightsizing initiatives by optimizing workforce planning to align with heavy maintenance demands, capital projects, and operational efficiency goals.
• Select, create, and drive accident prevention programs by embedding predictive safety measures, advanced diagnostics, and risk management into the Engineering strategy.
Management of Staff and Incoming Trainees
• Lead, coach, and mentor Engineering Field Trainers and/or Auditors delivering Track-related training programs.
• Develop training schedules and coordinate class dates with Engineering Operations, local supervisors, and project teams.
• Monitor training delivery, trainee progress, and qualification status across regions.
• Evaluate field performance of Engineering employees to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and Engineering standards.
• Oversee the development and execution of individual training and development plans.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document performance to ensure training quality, consistency, and accuracy.
• Address and resolve issues arising during field training delivery, including safety, performance, and compliance concerns.
Program, Curriculum, and Compliance Management
• Evaluate Engineering field training programs and curricula independently or in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Ensure training materials, job aids, and reference documents are current and aligned with Engineering Track standards.
• Modify programs based on regulatory changes, audit findings, and operational needs.
• Review CN's engineering standards related to inspection and accident prevention to ensure they remain appropriate and aligned with operational, regulatory, and training requirements.
• Ensure all training activities, qualifications, and certifications are accurately recorded in the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Prepare and present compliance reports and training metrics to senior Engineering leadership.
Stakeholder Engagement and Continuous Communication
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Act as the primary liaison between Operations and Engineering leaders.
• Assess training needs arising from operational, safety, and infrastructure priorities.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on recruitment, onboarding, and training readiness.
• Engage with internal partners and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, as required.
Working Conditions
The role has irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The incumbent works in a combination of an office environment and outdoors in various weather and environmental conditions. The role requires travel for company business without advance notice, which may include responding to unexpected emergency or urgent situations. The role also requires regular travel, up to 50%, across Canada and the U.S. to deliver training.
Requirements
Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of railway Engineering experience with a strong focus on Track maintenance, inspection, or construction.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and evaluating field employees.
• Experience leading or coordinating training programs in an operational environment.
• Experience with behavior-based safety principles and leadership
• People management or team leadership experience.
Education/Certification/Designation
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Valid Driver's Licence.
• Track-related Engineering or technical certifications/designations are considered assets.
Competencies
• Communicates with impact
• Develops self and others
• Provides recognition
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
• Sets direction and inspires others
Technical Skills/Knowledge
• Strong knowledge of Engineering Track operations and field practices.
• Knowledge of training methodologies, coaching techniques, and adult learning principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements impacting Engineering Track activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with internal systems, such as SAP and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Sabbatical
- Leave of Absence
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Pension
- Stock Purchase Program
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
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