Rail Apprentice Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Locomotive Electrician

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together-by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.

If you are a skilled trades person or interested in skilled trades and continuous learning in a safety-focused environment, working at CN could be a great fit for you. You'll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of freight across North America. Enjoy paid training and evolve your skills. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!  

Job Summary

Locomotive Electricians perform inspections, major and minor repairs, overhauls and servicing on all types of locomotives.

Working Conditions

• Work shift work which consists of irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• Work in a shop environment and outside in all weather conditions.
• Occasionally work in confined spaces and at elevated heights.
• Frequent stooping, lifting, kneeling, bending, crouching, and climbing.
• Minimal travel required.

Major Responsibilities

• Inspect, service, and maintain locomotives in accordance with federal and company regulations, including troubleshooting or repairing, replacing, cleaning, and adjusting parts.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose engine malfunctions and make required repairs.
• Assemble and start engines.
• Use test equipment, lubrication equipment, and other vehicle repair tools and equipment, and operate said tools in a safe and efficient manner.
• Prepare inspection, maintenance, and work reports, and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures.
•  Operate locomotive on shop tracks.

• Test locomotives on shop track after repair.

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.

Assets

• Valid CDL for the class and type of equipment operated
• Ability to certify company equipment in accordance with regulatory standards
• Experience troubleshooting hydraulic and electronic systems
• Welding skills
• Basic computer skills
• Automotive or diesel electrician experience and/or electrician diploma/apprenticeship
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stress.
• Demonstrate good teamwork skills and maintain positive interactions with others.
• Displays good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills.
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction.

What We Offer

• Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
• Paid Training and Career Development
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 24/7 Telemedicine Service
• Employee Share Investment Plan
• Educational Financial Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Extensive Employee Discount Program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Paid Training:

Newly hired Electricians take part in several weeks of paid training, which includes a mix of classroom instructions, and field experience. This consists of 3 weeks on CN Campus (Homewood, IL), 2+ weeks at the local shop (the location you were hired for), and another 3 weeks at CN Campus.

The training guides the new Electrician through the critical safety skills required to work on the railroad. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory to maintain a role as an Electrician at CN.

Successful Candidate Process:

• Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision). 
• Criminal background check
• Offer Letter

Paid Training Structure:

• 3 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
• 2+ weeks working at local shop (on-the-job training)
• 3 weeks at CN Campus