Car Mechanic; Freight Car Repairer

Car Mechanic (Freight Car Repairer)

At CN, we are committed to excellence, delivering high‑standard work through continuous innovation. We prioritize safety, integrity, and accountability, fostering inclusivity and collaboration for outstanding results.

If you are a skilled tradesperson or aspiring to learn in a safety‑focused environment, CN offers paid training, career growth, and meaningful work on freight rail equipment.

The Car Mechanic Apprentice is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, building, and repairing railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with Federal and CN regulations. The incumbent remains an Apprentice until graduated to Journey Car Mechanic.

• Available to work night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required.
• Work partially outdoors in various weather and environmental conditions.
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, overhead work, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs (22 kg), occasionally up to 85 lbs (39 kg).
• Frequent climbing, balancing, grasping, and good hand‑eye coordination required.
• May be required to work away from assigned terminal.

• Inspect cars and components per railroad associations, the Federal Railroad Administration, and company standards.
• Perform scheduled, on‑request, and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems, and associated tests.
• Repair and install parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders, and piping.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, and measuring instruments.
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track‑mobile, and shop equipment.
• Prepare inspection, maintenance, and work reports; record details on prescribed forms per established procedures.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 18 years or older.
• Meet all medical fitness requirements for duty, including safety.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Autonomous, adaptable, and able to manage stress.
• Good teamwork and positive interpersonal interactions.
• Good verbal, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
• Dedicated to quality, safety, and client satisfaction.
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments.
• Ability to determine condition of objects and parts for wear and defects.
• Basic computer skills.

• Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience.
• Vocational/technical training and/or knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules.
• Knowledge of electrical and electronic tools and instruments.
• Autonomous, adaptable, and able to manage stress.
• Good teamwork and positive interactions.
• Good verbal, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
• Ability to determine condition of objects/parts for wear and/or defects.
• Dedicated to quality, safety, and client satisfaction.

• Competitive wages, benefits, and pension plan.
• Paid training and career development.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• 24/7 telemedicine service.
• Employee share investment plan.
• Educational financial assistance program.
• Employee resource groups (ERGs).
• Extensive employee discount program.
• Employee & family assistance program (EFAP).

This position is a unionized position; pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.

The incumbent receives paid on‑the‑job training—both theoretical and practical—over 3 weeks at 40 hours per week. Depending on experience, a 4‑year on‑the‑job CN‑specific apprenticeship program may be required, with courses at the work location.

The training includes rail car components, inspection, single‑car tests, special commodities Level 2, freight car repairs, jacking procedures, railway welding, aerial lifts, yard operating rules, and other items relevant to the position. A successful completion of this training is essential for future performance of duties.

• Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision).
• Criminal background check.
• Offer letter.

• 3 weeks in CN campus.
• 2+ weeks in shop (on‑the‑job training).
• 2 weeks in CN campus.

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates…