Position Summary
The Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) is accountable for the safety, training, and strategic direction of the Mechanical Department (Car Department), mechanical engineering, and Engine House operations. The CMO develops and executes maintenance programs while overseeing the day-to-day activities of the repair facilities, including inspection, cleaning, and servicing.
Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the CMO must be a technical expert in rolling stock equipment, motive power, and related federal regulations. This role requires strong leadership to manage a unionized workforce, coordinate with customers and suppliers, and leverage internal software programs to optimize operational efficiency.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Safety Leadership & Regulatory Compliance
- Safety Enforcement: Enforce all corporate policy, health and safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment across the railway and shops.
- Compliance Culture: Ensure absolute employee adherence to all railway industry safety legislation, federal regulations, and company policies. Including safe work procedures and Work Instructions.
- Hazard Mitigation: Ensure safe work practices are explicitly communicated, trained, and followed. Guarantee all staff members are equipped with, and properly utilize, required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Regulatory Alignment: Maintain thorough, up-to-date knowledge of Transport Canada (TC) rules, Association of American Railroads (AAR) rules, and multi-level pool rules and billing.
Operational Oversight & Fleet Management
- Fleet Maintenance: Manage the maintenance, scheduling, and reliability of a dedicated fleet of our 4 locomotives, company vehicles and equipment using Geotab software.
- Operational Execution: Coordinate shop activities, assign daily tasks, communicate clear priorities, and delegate responsibilities effectively to meet production targets.
- Emergency Response: Provide hands-on expertise and leadership in re-railing equipment and handling mechanical emergencies safely.
- Administrative Systems: Utilize RailcarRX for railcar billing, maintenance tracking, and internal software operations.
Workforce Management & Labour Relations
- Labour Agreement Compliance: Manage shift schedules to ensure optimal workforce coverage, strictly adhering to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for unionized personnel.
- Payroll & Attendance: Set, maintain, and approve employee schedules, attendance, job assignments, and pay within the Ceridian Dayforce payroll system to ensure accurate reporting.
- Performance & Discipline: Set clear goals and company expectations for team members. Administer progressive disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy and labour agreements when necessary.
Qualifications & Requirements
Technical & Industry Expertise
- Fleet Management & Repairs: Extensive experience overseeing mechanical inspections and repairs for both the locomotive fleet and customer/railway-owned railcar equipment, including execution and contract management.
- Billing & Rules: Deep familiarity with AAR rules, interchange billing, and multi-level pool rules.
- Required Certifications: Must possess or be willing to obtain M970 Certification (grading of bi-levels).
- Industrial Training: Experience overseeing or holding qualifications in welding, lift truck operation, aerial platforms, working at heights, and confined space entry is highly preferred (training will be provided to the successful candidate).
Education & Experience
- Management Experience: Minimum of 5 years of management experience within a mechanical, transportation, or related industrial field.
- Technical Credentials: Must be a certified carman, with 5 years of hands-on working experience preferred.
- Education: A Degree or Diploma in Engineering, Transportation, Business, Operations Management, or an equivalent combination of education and related practical experience is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Professional Skills: High-level decision-making, negotiation, conflict resolution, team building, and formal presentation skills.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interface with executives, shop floors, customers, and suppliers.
- Digital Literacy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) and a strong aptitude for learning specialized internal software.
Pre-Employment & Licensing Requirements
- Possess a valid "G" Driver’s License with a clean driving abstract.
- Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment medical assessment and criminal background check.
Working Conditions
- Environment: High-risk operational environment with frequent exposure to heavy moving equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
- Hours: Requires the ability to work flexible hours for extended periods. Availability for full-time, overtime, and weekend work is mandatory to support 24/7 railroad operational needs.
- PPE: Strict adherence to mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols at all times.
Pay: $74,000.00-$89,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Are you a certified Railway Carman/Car Inspector?
- Do you have knowledge of AAR (Association of American Railroads) rules?
Work Location: In person
