Principal Engineer

Description:

The Assistant Track Supervisor manages field activities within an assigned territory, including track inspection, safety compliance, maintenance, and repair—supporting the Track Supervisor. Work includes replacing rails, ties, switches, and ballast, leading track teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and responding to operational issues such as derailments or service interruptions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage engineering operations in the assigned territory

• Supervise track teams, inspectors, and hi-rail vehicle operations

• Ensure safety methods, CN standards, and Transport Canada guidelines are followed

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to staff

• Apply collective agreements; address grievances and disciplinary matters

• Manage labour productivity and budgets

• Report daily track conditions and production to senior leadership

• Conduct regulatory inspections and record results in TIS (Track Inspection System)

• Follow up on reported issues and ensure standards compliance

• Participate in derailment response and service recovery

• Conduct safety audits and observations

• Plan and schedule track maintenance and repair

• Respond to emergencies as required

Working Conditions:

• Split between office and outdoor work

• All weather conditions

• Irregular hours: nights, weekends, holidays

• Frequent travel (up to 50%), sometimes with no notice

• Must meet tight deadlines, handle stress, and manage unpredictable operational events

• Must lift up to 70 lbs

Requirements — Experience:

• 3–5 years in safety compliance

• Troubleshooting/problem-solving experience

• Experience in rule-governed or safety-critical environments*

• Budget management*

• Labour relations & union experience (collective agreements, grievances)*

• Supervising unionized employees*
  (*Assets)

Education / Certification:

• High school diploma required

• Bachelor's degree* (asset)

• Valid driver’s licence

• Railway signal certification* (asset)

Core Competencies:

• Lead by example in safety

• ESG awareness and compliance

• Identify safety and operational risks

• Strong active listening

• Problem-solving and value creation mindset

• Ability to coach, develop, and empower others

• Delegation and accountability

• Collaboration + information sharing

• Inspire and set direction for teams

• Clear, persuasive communication

• Adaptability and change leadership

Technical Skills:

• General Microsoft computer skills*

• Ability to conduct accident investigations*
  (*Assets)

About CN:

CN is a leading North American railway transporting over 300 million tons of goods annually across Canada and the U.S. They emphasize safety, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, offering competitive career development, paid training, and long-term progression.