Trainee Balance Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The incumbent is responsible for creating and maintaining CN's inspection standards and supporting CN's accident prevention objectives. The role acts as the primary liaison between senior leadership and regulatory agencies, guiding regulatory innovation and continuous improvement related to engineering-caused rail equipment incidents. The incumbent leads, coaches, and mentors a team delivering in-field Engineering audits, competency oversight, and programs focused on Track infrastructure. The role oversees technical and safety certifications, ensuring CN maintains high standards for training, certification, and field audit procedures. The incumbent ensures Engineering employees are trained, evaluated, and qualified to perform work in compliance with regulatory requirements, CN standards, and safe operating practices. The role also ensures CN's engineering standards related to inspection and accident prevention remain appropriate, current, and effectively reflected in training programs and field practices. The incumbent is responsible for inspection workforce rightsizing and works across the system to balance appropriate metrics and workload across the inspection team. The role monitors day-to-day field training delivery and progression, oversees implementation and ongoing compliance training, and coordinates schedules with local Engineering and Operations leadership. In addition to people leadership responsibilities, the incumbent participates in field coaching, performance evaluation, and hands-on training delivery.

       Create and deploy industrial engineering regulatory modernization across the Engineering team by integrating standards with evolving railway compliance requirements to support future-ready operations.

       Lead strategic manpower rightsizing initiatives by optimizing workforce planning to align with heavy maintenance demands, capital projects, and operational efficiency goals.

       Select, create, and drive accident prevention programs by embedding predictive safety measures, advanced diagnostics, and risk management into the Engineering strategy.

       Lead, coach, and mentor Engineering Field Trainers and/or Auditors delivering Track-related training programs.

       Develop training schedules and coordinate class dates with Engineering Operations, local supervisors, and project teams.

       Monitor training delivery, trainee progress, and qualification status across regions.

       Evaluate field performance of Engineering employees to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and Engineering standards.

       Oversee the development and execution of individual training and development plans.

       Monitor, evaluate, and document performance to ensure training quality, consistency, and accuracy.

       Address and resolve issues arising during field training delivery, including safety, performance, and compliance concerns.

       Evaluate Engineering field training programs and curricula independently or in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

       Ensure training materials, job aids, and reference documents are current and aligned with Engineering Track standards.

       Modify programs based on regulatory changes, audit findings, and operational needs.

       Review CN's engineering standards related to inspection and accident prevention to ensure they remain appropriate and aligned with operational, regulatory, and training requirements.

       Ensure all training activities, qualifications, and certifications are accurately recorded in the Learning Management System (LMS).

       Prepare and present compliance reports and training metrics to senior Engineering leadership.

       Provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

       Act as the primary liaison between Operations and Engineering leaders.

       Assess training needs arising from operational, safety, and infrastructure priorities.

       Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on recruitment, onboarding, and training readiness.

       Engage with internal partners and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, as required.

The role has irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The incumbent works in a combination of an office environment and outdoors in various weather and environmental conditions. The role requires travel for company business without advance notice, which may include responding to unexpected emergency or urgent situations. The role also requires regular travel, up to 50%, across Canada and the U.S. to deliver training.

       Minimum of 10 years of railway Engineering experience with a strong focus on Track maintenance, inspection, or construction.

       Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and evaluating field employees.

       Experience leading or coordinating training programs in an operational environment.

       Experience with behaviorbased safety principles and leadership

       People management or team leadership experience.

       High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).

       Valid Driver's Licence.

       Track-related Engineering or technical certifications/designations are considered assets.

       Communicates with impact

       Develops self and others

       Provides recognition

       Collaborates with others and shares information

       Demonstrates agility and drives change

       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

       Sets direction and inspires others

       Strong knowledge of Engineering Track operations and field practices.

       Knowledge of training methodologies, coaching techniques, and adult learning principles.

       Familiarity with regulatory requirements impacting Engineering Track activities.

       Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

       Proficiency with internal systems, such as SAP and Learning Management Systems (LMS).