Manager Signals & Communications Operations

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CPKC is seeking a Manager Signals & Communications Operations in La Crosse, WI (also possible in Hastings or St Paul) to lead a field team ensuring reliable S&C systems from testing to commissioning and data gathering for affidavits. You’ll drive safety leadership, analyze wrong side signal failures, coordinate with maintenance and construction, and mentor junior staff while distributing S&C updates. Requirements: high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, 3 years railroad experience, deep S&C knowledge, strong regulatory understanding, solid computer skills (Excel, SAP, Office), and on-call availability. Compensation is 100,000–112,000 with benefits, 10–20% travel, pre-employment medical and drug testing, and background checks. To apply, emphasize safety outcomes, field testing, cross-functional teamwork, and alignment with CPKC’s inclusive culture.

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 forward-thinking problem-solver who thrives in dynamic, field-driven settings? Manager of Signals and Communications coordinates and guides a team dedicated to ensuring the reliable functionality of Signals and Communications (S&C) systems. This role involves conducting electrical and mechanical testing on S&C equipment, inspecting and commissioning new installations or upgrades to existing systems, and gathering data needed for affidavit submissions. This position may be based at any of the following locations along our SOO Line network: La Crosse, WI; Hastings, MN; or St. Paul, MN. 

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Direct safety leadership and cultivate continuous improvement in workplace safety
• Participate in analysis of reported wrong side signal failures to permit proper actions to lower possibility of recurrence
• Assure that the safety of S&C systems meets acceptable standards
• Approve the entry into service of new or modified S&C systems (e.g.  crossings)
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date records of S&C equipment, installations and the testing
• Coordinate activities to coincide with those of the maintenance and construction work force to maximize overall productivity and efficiency
• Coach junior S&C employees on technical aspects of their job as required
• Distribute S&C Alerts and updates with field action taken
• Fully use the collective bargaining agreement for effective work management
• Manage standards, specifications, risk analysis, and value engineering associated with CPKC’s procurement of track-related products
• Safety Management System (SMS) compliance on standards related to track
• Subject matter expert (SME) witness for litigation involving track issues

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Valid Driver’s license
• 3 years of railroad experience
• Proven track record in planning, prioritizing and executing plans in a safe environment
• Proficient knowledge of S&C equipment, signal principles, standards and regulatory requirements
• Good computer skills (Computer-Aided Manufacturing, Excel, Powerpoint, Word and SAP)
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to support on-call operations (24x7 availability)

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
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form

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 provided, 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: 105530
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Lacrosse, Wisconsin
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 10-20%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 4
• Compensation Rate: $100,000 - $112,000
• Job Available to: Internal & External

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