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Portable RFD Operator

Yesterday Memphis, TN

Hiring Salary Range : $ 82,000.00 - 92,000.00

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 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

The Portable Rail Flaw Detector (RFD) Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining CN's portable RFD unit and protecting the plant from derailment delays due to internally defective rails. The incumbent inspects tracks using a portable UTT device to identify internal defects. The role manages a given territory which includes coordinating inspections, reporting to local Supervisors, scheduling specific testing locations, and maintaining given testing frequency.

Main Responsibilities

Rail Testing

• Supervise operation of portable RFD unit
• Monitor test data and make instrumentation corrections to ensure integrity of data and identification of flaws
• Conduct the calibration, maintenance and repairs of portable RFD unit
• Maintain data integrity by following appropriate monitoring and maintenance schedules
• Reduce derailment by finding internal flaws
• Ensure equipment is maintained and inventory is up to date

Scheduling and Reporting

• Schedule RFD operation, including running frequencies and ensuring schedule is derived logically according to territory
• Manage territory frequency
• Coordinate track time with local Track Supervisors, Senior Managers, Transportation employees, and Superintendents
• Coordinate tracks to be cleared
• Report progress and flaws identified to local teams daily

Safety

• Safeguard track against internal defects
• Ensure appropriate safety measures are taken at all times, including the use of proper protection
• Work with various CN field employees to ensure a safe work environment is maintained at all times
• Participate in daily job and safety briefings
• Attend meetings with Senior Managers to discuss safety concerns
• Follow CN's safety policies and procedures

Working Conditions

The role requires working varying shifts to cover operations that run 24/7 and 365 days per year. The position works 5 days on then 2 days off and shifts include days, evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. The role requires extensive travel (100%) across CN's network in the US, primarily in Chicago and throughout Michigan. The incumbent must be able to walk at least 6 miles on uneven surfaces, as well as lift and carry up to 80 lbs.

Requirements

Experience

Physically Demanding Job
• Minimum 1 year of previous experience in a physically demanding job
o Experience working for a Class 1 railroad
o Experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

o Scheduling experience
Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma
• Valid Drivers' Licence
• NDT testing I and II
Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

• Identifies risks and anticipates impacts to ensure a safe and secure environment
• Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them
• Continuously displays a customer centric attitude in order to improve the customer's journey
• Shares timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively
• Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Sound knowledge of engineering operations and classification of rails
• Ultrasonic knowledge
• General Microsoft Computer Skills

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• Understanding of safety principles in a yard-type environment
• Technical and practical knowledge of electrical, electronic and computer maintenance
• Functional and technical skills in rail flaw testing
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines and reporting
• Engineering Track Standards (ETS)

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.

Client-provided location(s): Memphis, TN, Homewood, IL
Job ID: CN-16884
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-04-18T18:47:25

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)

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