Senior Field Officer, Positive Train Control

at  Canadian National Railway

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities 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, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Field Officer, Positive Train Control (PTC) is responsible for providing support, testing, training, and project designing. The incumbent is accountable for the implementation and documentation of associated CN rail signaling and PTC systems. The role includes installing and configuring lab devices and testing per specific and documented sets of test cases. In addition, the incumbent reviews and provides guidance on new equipment designs and architectures for the Signals and Communications (S&C) portfolio. The incumbent supports and works with the S&C Quality Assurance and Design groups on implementing and testing field control points as well as supporting any ongoing incident or reliability investigations. The role coordinates with S&C standards and I&T partners as well as ensures that the necessary technical systems are implemented and maintained in a manner that support all aspects of the S&C operation forces in both the office and the field.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience

Railroad Signaling

• Minimum 5 years of railroad signaling experience

o Experience with Centralized Train Control Systems including Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), Absolute Block Signaling (ABS), and Track Authority

Education/Certification/Designation

• Associate’s Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Communications Systems, or equivalent
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Communications Systems, or equivalent*
• United States Operating Rules (USOR) Certification*
• Operations Training Solutions (OTS) Certification*
• Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) Certification*
• Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Considers environmental impacts in every action and decision
• Demonstrates active listening
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Applies critical thinking
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge of S&C signaling design methods and standards
• Knowledge of serial and IP networking principles including baud rate, parity and TCP and IP networking over LAN and WAN
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Knowledge of safety standards, policies and procedures, collective agreements as well as USOR
• Understanding of basic signaling architecture and ability to read and interpret S&C design methods

S&C and PTC systems

• Implement, test, and qualify S&C equipment in the lab and support its implementation in the field including the initial dedicated testing of GEO software using Signal Application Testing System (SATS) tool
• Oversee project deployment, support and training of the S&C and PTC systems
• Follow PTC log events and analyze systems such as Cobra, Wasp Inventory Control Software (WASP), and other tools to ensure optimal performance of PTC systems
• Maintain awareness of railroad signaling trends and future technologies through various committees and publications

Research and Development

• Research and develop future Information and Technology (I&T) and S&C technologies and concepts to improve CN’s overall operations

Coordination

• Coordinate activities to support multiple ongoing and parallel projects in conjunction with I&T and other S&C partners

Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday as well as regular field visits for support and consultation in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress. The role requires occasional travel (30%) within the United States (U.S.) and potentially Canada. The incumbent must be able to lift normal equipment up to 50lbs.