Become an Electrician
Click on the video to see what a career as an electrician at CN looks like, and read below to learn more about the application process, role requirements, assessments, paid training at CN Campus, and more.
Job Summary
Electricians perform inspection, maintenance and the repair of the electrical assembly on the locomotive fleet. They work on electronics components, computer systems, fuel injector systems and troubleshoot locomotive failures.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Required to work on varying shifts to cover operations that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
- Work shifts (day, evening or night) on weekdays, weekends and statutory holidays.
- Overtime may be required at any time.
- Required to perform physical work, which is performed in the shop, outdoors, or outside the terminal, year-round in all weather conditions.
- Lifting weights up to 50 pounds. Working in confined spaces.
- Working to CN safety rules and follow safe work procedures.
- May be required, occasionally, to travel some distance to reach working site.
- May be required, occasionally, to work away from home for an extended period of time
Pre-Qualifications & Requirements*
- Valid driver’s license.
- Highschool diploma or equivalent GED.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements of the position.
- Using measuring devices and understanding visual display.
- Basic technical knowledge of electrical theory and troubleshooting techniques.
- Frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 70 lbs.
- Displays good hand-eye coordination.
* The complete list of Working Conditions and Requirements for this role are available on the relevant job posting.
Application Process
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for an Electrician role at CN:
- You will receive an automated email confirming your application.
- Our team will communicate a decision within 2 to 3 weeks via email or phone.
- Selected candidates will be asked to complete a medical assessment, including drug, hearing, and vision.
- Upon successfully passing medical assessments, candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check.
- Offer is made upon successful background clearance.
Paid Training
Newly hired Electricians take part in several weeks of paid training, which includes a mix of classroom instruction and field experience. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory to maintain their role as an Electrician at CN.
The Electrician paid training program is divided into the following:
- 3 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
- 2+ weeks working at local shop (the location you were hired for)
- Canada: 2 weeks at CN Campus (Winnipeg, MB)
- United States: 3 weeks at CN Campus (Homewood, IL)
- 2 weeks on-the-job training (Canada)
Electrician at CN
Job Summary
Electricians perform inspection, maintenance and the repair of the electrical assembly on the locomotive fleet. They work on electronics components, computer systems, fuel injector systems and troubleshoot locomotive failures.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Required to work on varying shifts to cover operations that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
- Work shifts (day, evening or night) on weekdays, weekends and statutory holidays.
- Overtime may be required at any time.
- Required to perform physical work, which is performed in the shop, outdoors, or outside the terminal, year-round in all weather conditions.
- Lifting weights up to 50 pounds. Working in confined spaces.
- Working to CN safety rules and follow safe work procedures.
- May be required, occasionally, to travel some distance to reach working site.
- May be required, occasionally, to work away from home for an extended period of time
Pre-Qualifications & Requirements*
- Valid driver’s license.
- Highschool diploma or equivalent GED.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements of the position.
- Using measuring devices and understanding visual display.
- Basic technical knowledge of electrical theory and troubleshooting techniques.
- Frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 70 lbs.
- Displays good hand-eye coordination.
* The complete list of Working Conditions and Requirements for this role are available on the relevant job posting.
Application Process
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for an Electrician role at CN:
- You will receive an automated email confirming your application.
- Our team will communicate a decision within 2 to 3 weeks via email or phone.
- Selected candidates will be asked to complete a medical assessment, including drug, hearing, and vision.
- Upon successfully passing medical assessments, candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check.
- Offer is made upon successful background clearance.
Paid Training
Newly hired Electricians take part in several weeks of paid training, which includes a mix of classroom instruction and field experience. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory to maintain their role as an Electrician at CN.
The Electrician paid training program is divided into the following:
- 3 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
- 2+ weeks working at local shop (the location you were hired for)
- Canada: 2 weeks at CN Campus (Winnipeg, MB)
- United States: 3 weeks at CN Campus (Homewood, IL)
- 2 weeks on-the-job training (Canada)