Director, Mechanical Technology

Canadian National Railway Company•Homewood, IL

23h•CA$164,000 - CA$198,975•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of experience in the railroad/transportation/adjacent industry
Minimum 5 years leading large-scale engineering, technology, or data-driven initiatives
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Production Management, or equivalent experience
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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