Rail Car Mechanic Apprentice

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

CPKC’s Rail Car Mechanic Apprentice in Calgary, Alberta is a full time onsite union role focused on keeping freight moving safely. You’ll receive hands on maintenance training and a four week welding course to inspect, repair and test rail cars, including trucks, underframes and braking systems, plus road service in a high production outdoor setting. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, at least one year around heavy equipment, a valid driver’s license, and ideally a CDL and welding experience; ability to work nights, weekends and holidays in all weather. Pre employment medical and drug tests, background checks and strong safety and communication skills are essential. Highlight welding, safety compliance, teamwork, and any CDL credentials in your application; salary is $38.67/hr with competitive benefits.

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:

As a Rail Car Mechanic, you’ll play a key role in keeping freight moving safely and efficiently. Working in a high-production environment, you will perform both preventative and corrective maintenance on rail cars in compliance with regulatory standards. To set you up for success, you’ll receive hands-on training and a specialized 4-week welding course designed for the railroad industry. This role is ideal for individuals who are mechanically inclined, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive working outdoors in a dynamic team setting.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Inspect, maintain, and repair freight car equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on trucks, underframes, structural components, safety appliances, braking systems, draft systems, and conduct all required tests
• Handle urgent repairs and road service work, including supplementary operations to keep equipment in service
• Utilize welding, torch cutting, and power tools to execute precision repairs and modifications
• Work in all areas of rail cars, including underneath, between, on top, and inside to complete maintenance and repair tasks

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Minimum 1 year experience working on or around heavy equipment
• Valid driver’s license
• Commercial driver’s license and welding experience preferred
• Available to work all types of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions
• Ability to pass the required written examinations, read and understand safety instructions, rules, regulations and other written or printed material in English
• Dedication to safety and ability to complete work within guidelines/rules
• Strong communication skills (provide clear and concise instructions/directions)

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase 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 drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Driver’s license verification and driving history

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 provide, 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: 106124
• Department: Mechanical Car
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $38.67/hr
• Job Available to: Internal & External

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