Assistant Signals and Communications Apprentice

Assistant Signals and Communications Apprentice

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where career growth, safety, and operational excellence are at the forefront of everything we do. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’ll be part of a team that moves goods, connects people, and creates lasting change.

Purpose of the position: The Signals and Communications team plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains. As part of the crew, you will diagnose malfunctions, perform essential repairs, optimize signal equipment, and support the reliable operation of cutting‑edge wayside signal systems, crossings, and track mechanisms. Based on your experience and CPKC’s discretion, you may begin as an Assistant Signalman or advance to a Signalman.

• Diagnose and repair signal equipment such as lights, track circuits, relays, and crossing gates.
• Perform tasks like digging, cable repair, pole line work, housekeeping, wiring, and installation of signal components.
• Identify malfunctions, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions to restore reliable operations.
• Adapt signal timing to accommodate train schedules and track conditions, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
• Install new signal components and replace aging or worn parts.
• Maintain thorough documentation of system operations, maintenance activities, and adjustments for compliance and consistency.
• Monitor signal visibility and functionality, strictly adhering to safety regulations and standards.

• High school diploma or general equivalency.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license; commercial driver’s license preferred.
• Background in agriculture, mechanics, electronics, electrical systems, or construction trades is an asset.
• Flexible availability for shifts—including nights, weekends, holidays, and all weather conditions.
• Strong communication skills and proven teamwork ability.
• Commitment to safety, consistently following protocols and prioritizing team well‑being.

• Flexible and competitive benefits package.
• Company pension and retirement plans.
• Employee share purchase plan.
• Annual fitness subsidy.
• Part‑time study program.

Medical and drug testing:
This safety‑sensitive role requires a successful pre‑employment medical assessment (physical, vision, hearing) and a negative drug test. Post‑hire drug testing may also be required.

Background investigation:
Criminal history check, education verification, driver’s license verification, Social Security number verification, and Department of Transportation background check (Form 40.25).

CPKC is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer for U.S. applicants. For Canadian applicants, CPKC is an employment‑equity employer committed to inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates—including women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ members, and people with disabilities—to apply. Accommodations for the application process are available upon request. All applicant information is managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Job Metadata:
Req  | Department:
Engineering | Job Type: Full‑Time | Position Type:
Union |

Location:

Muscatine, Iowa | Country:
United States | % of Travel: 90‑100% | # of Positions: 1 | Compensation: $26.72 – $34.43/hr.