Director, Mechanical Technology- EN

Hiring Salary Range : $
- 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 . Y ou can expect a n interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running opti mally and safely ― helping keep the economy on track . W e provide the kind of paid training and opportunit ies 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, safe ty-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM . The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

The incumbent is accountable for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of locomotive and car technologies, with a strong focus on advancing CN’s technology innovation and implementation in the areas of locomotive, wayside detection network, and maturing data-driven analytics capabilities. The role leads the integration of engineering, detection systems, and analytics to improve safety, end-of-life asset extension, reliability, decarbonization, and network efficiency and performance.

The role is responsible for translating emerging technologies into practical field applications—advancing next-generation locomotive platforms, strengthening the wayside detection ecosystem, and ensuring data is effectively leveraged to drive timely and accurate decisions. The role builds and executes a clear technology roadmap aligned to asset lifecycle needs, operational efficiency, and network velocity, while reducing failures, disruptions, and total cost of ownership.

Main Responsibilities

• Detection, Technology & Engineering
• Identify and develop opportunities to enhance locomotive and wayside detection capabilities through both technology and process improvements
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle for mechanical technology development—covering locomotives, wayside detection systems (e.g., WILD, ABD), onboard sensing, and supporting analytics platforms
• Lead the design, field deployment, and scaling of locomotive platforms (low, medium, and high horsepower, including alternate propulsion) alongside detection and monitoring technologies
• Drive the maturation of detection logic and data analytics to improve defect accuracy, reduce false alarms, and enable earlier intervention
• Integrate wayside and onboard data streams into actionable insights that support maintenance planning, operational decision-making, and failure prevention
• Analyze performance trends and field data to continuously refine detection thresholds, maintenance strategies, and system reliability
• Lead cross-functional execution from concept through implementation, including capital planning, pilot programs, field validation, and network-wide rollout
• Partner with OEMs and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of equipment design, maintenance programs, and performance expectations
• Establish and track KPIs tied to detection effectiveness, asset reliability, and network impact
• Support AAR engagement, industry data reporting, and maintenance program documentation
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies (FRA, TC) to support approvals, waivers, and the safe introduction of new technologies into service

Strategy

• Develop and maintain a practical technology roadmap for locomotives, detection systems, and analytics platforms, aligned with business priorities
• Advance the integration of wayside detection and data analytics into a cohesive, network-wide detection strategy
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies with a focus on scalable, field-proven solutions rather than theoretical applications
• Lead efforts to strengthen CN’s data foundation—ensuring detection data is reliable, accessible, and used consistently across the network
• Drive the evolution from reactive and preventive maintenance toward predictive and condition-based approaches
• Develop strategies that improve safety, network fluidity, and asset utilization through better…