Canadian Pacific Railway Limited

Director, Mechanical Technology

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited$164K — $198K *
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in railroad, transportation, or related industry
  • 5+ years in leading engineering or technology initiatives
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent
  • Strong grasp of locomotive and detection technologies
  • Proficient in data analytics and operational integration

Responsibilities

  • Identify improvements for locomotive and detection capabilities
  • Manage lifecycle of mechanical technology development
  • Design and deploy locomotive platforms and detection technologies
  • Enhance detection logic and data analytics accuracy
  • Integrate data streams into actionable maintenance insights
  • Analyze performance data for system reliability
  • Lead cross-functional execution from concept to implementation

Benefits

  • Annual bonus eligibility
  • Employee share investment program
  • Pension and retirement benefits
  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Flexible work hours with standard office conditions
  • Opportunity for professional development
  • Travel opportunities within Canada and the U.S.
Full Job Description
Hiring Salary Range : $ 164,000.00 - 198,975.00

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.

Job Summary

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 detection coverage and data visibility
• Build organizational capability in data-driven decision-making, including technical skill development and adoption of new tools
• Provide clear direction and alignment across Mechanical, I&T, and Operations to ensure successful execution of technology initiatives
Financial
• Own capital planning and prioritization for wayside detection systems, locomotive technology investments, and supporting infrastructure
• Ensure disciplined investment in technologies that demonstrate measurable operational and safety benefits
• Improve total cost of ownership by increasing detection reliability, reducing unnecessary stops, and targeting high-impact defects
• Align detection investments with locomotive and car fleet lifecycle strategies
• Monitor and deliver value through reduced failures, improved network performance, and avoided incidents
• Drive cost efficiency through better targeting of maintenance interventions and optimization of inspection processes
Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and manage competing priorities. The role requires up to 40% travel within Canada and the United States (U.S.).

Requirements
Experience
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the railroad/transportation/adjacent industry
• Minimum 5 years leading large-scale engineering, technology, or data-driven initiatives
Education/Certification/Designation
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Production Management, or equivalent experience
Competencies
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Seeks and values different perspectives
• Sets direction and engages teams
• Communicates clearly and effectively
• Demonstrates adaptability and drives change
• Focuses on practical innovation
• Understands the business and operational environment
• Applies strong critical thinking
• Delegates effectively and builds accountability
• Develops talent and supports growth
Technical Skills/Knowledge
• Understanding of locomotive systems, wayside detection technologies, and mechanical reliability principles
• Strong working knowledge of data analytics, including trend analysis, performance monitoring, and reliability engineering
• Experience with integrating operational data into business decisions and maintenance practices
• Project and program management capability across complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.

About Canadian Pacific Railway Limited

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to major ports on the west and east coasts. CP provides North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.
Learn more about Canadian Pacific Railway Limited
Size
22,953 employees
Market Cap
$95.5 billion
Industry
Founded
1881
5 Year Trend
+5.1%
NASDAQ

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