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Manager, Mechanical Detection Systems

Canadian National Railway
Homewood, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 12/13/2025 CLOSED ON 12/28/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Mechanical Detection Systems position at Canadian National Railway?

Hiring Salary Range : $ 102,000.00 - 134,000.00

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 Manager, Mechanical Detection Systems is responsible for leading the maintenance and installation of all wayside detectors systemwide to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance of rolling stock and locomotives. The position leads the development of monitoring tools, reporting, performance monitoring, and development of processes to ensure maximum benefit during all types of weather operations. Furthermore, the position handles the execution of the multi-year detector strategy and maintains performance metrics to ensure that operations of all detectors are meeting stated objectives. The incumbent is present in the field for detector installation and maintenance to ensure adherence to standards and best practices, as well as function as an expert level resource for vendors and internal stakeholders.

Main Responsibilities

Wayside Detector Management

  • Collaborate with departments to ensure efficient movement of rolling stock and locomotives, and wayside detector systems
  • Oversee emergencies and other unexpected events while ensuring the safety of employees and the public, limiting the impact to railway operations, and adhering to United States Operating Rules (USOR) as well as CN policies and procedures
  • Communicate emergent situations to CN police, Superintendents, Mechanical, and other departments
  • Ensure compliance with train crews, Network Operations Centre (NOC), Support Representatives, and Field Managers
  • Cooperate with NOC Support Desk to ensure problem tickets are escalated and resolved efficiently
  • Collaborate with foreign carriers and terminals to coordinate movement of trains and interchanges
  • Gather information for use in formal investigations
  • Resolve operational issues with the collaboration of appropriate departments
  • Collaborate with Mechanical, Engineering, and Transportation during derailments to order and track contractor equipment
  • Oversee mainline stoppage due to mechanical issues

People and Vendor Management

  • Lead and influence departmental employees and detector vendors by setting clear directions and goals
  • Provide coaching and guidance through regular monitoring of performance

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environment in various types of weather conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role must be available on-call to respond to critical incidences during evenings, weekends, and holidays. During detector installations, the incumbent may be required at times to work extended hours to meet project deadlines and demands. The role requires regular travel (up to 50%) within Canada and the United States (U.S.). Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress.

Requirements

Experience

Installation and Maintenance

  • Minimum 5 years of wayside detector experience*

o Minimum 5 years of installation and maintenance experience

o Minimum 3 years of experience developing and monitoring detector-related performance measures

  • Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

  • High School Diploma
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to obtain USOR and Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) qualifications
  • Post-Secondary Education*
  • Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

  • Collaborates with others and shares information
  • Demonstrates agility and drives change
  • Solves problems to create value
  • Demonstrates active listening
  • Sets direction and inspires others
  • Seeks and values all perspectives
  • Considers ESG principles in all operations
  • Applies critical thinking

Technical Skills/Knowledge

  • Knowledge of mechanical rules, procedures, and processes
  • Knowledge of maintenance and management of multiple detector system types
  • Knowledge of rail operating rules and procedures
  • Knowledge of Systems, Applications and Products (SAP), Service Reliability System (SRS), and ServiceNow
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Understand and apply safety standards, policies and procedures, collective agreements as well as operating rules*
  • Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

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.

Salary : $102,000 - $134,000

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