Chief Engineer - Bridges and Structures

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 Chief Engineer, Bridges and Structures leads Safety culture performance across the organization, aligned with CN’s values and approach. The Chief is responsible for CN’s entire network of bridges, structures and geotechnical engineering. The incumbent is accountable for the design, repair, and reconstruction of CN’s bridges and structures as well as the accompanying policies, procedures and standards. The position’s key role is to reduce safety risk across the network including managing the operational safety of plants and people in accordance with CN’s regulatory environment. The position also allocates, executes and manages the department’s capital and operating budget. The position’s key role is to reduce safety risk across the network.

Main Responsibilities

System-wide Responsibility for Bridges and Structures

• Responsible for the development, control, management and enforcement of CN’s policies, procedures and standards related to bridges and structures
• Accountable for the build, design, repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and replacement of CN’s bridges and structures
• Responsible for inspection and inventory management as well as testing and assessment
• Oversee the load carrying capacity rating process including heavy axel load clearance authorization
• Responsible for CN’s tunnels, moveable bridges, retaining walls, rock sheds and other structures including culverts over a 4-foot diameter
• Carry out capital planning activities for multi-year work plan development
• Manage multi-year projects requiring Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) including the strategic bridge initiative program
• Maintain oversight and responsibility for operational safety management of plant and people
• Ensure full compliance with CN’s Bridge Management Program within CN’s overall Safety Management System (SMS)
• Accountable for the development of safety improvement programs specific to bridges, structures and geotechnical engineering
• Participate in regular safety-related meetings and field audits

System-wide Responsibility for Geotechnical Engineering

• Maintain overall responsibility for CN’s grade and slope stabilization program
• Responsible for CN’s railway rail hazard research program, including identifying ground hazards and developing mitigation plans
• Implement technically sound solutions to geotechnical problems in all phases of company activity
• Develop and implement mitigation measures for railway ground hazards
• Implement and research advanced technologies to identify ground hazards, and provide rankings and assessments
• Accountable for the design and construction techniques implemented for ground hazard stabilization
• Review Engineering reports and advise on an appropriate course of action, probabilities and safety
• Develop, review and manage annual basic and special capital programs

People Management

• Maintain responsibility for CN’s Life-Critical Rules (LCRs) and rule violations
• Act as Senior Officer for disciplinary reviews on rule breeches and compliance
• Mentor and develop all managers and engineers, and assist in defining roles and responsibilities
• Provide coaching and feedback to direct reports
• Provide direct reports with opportunities for career development
• Participate in succession planning
• Participate in performance evaluations, review findings from indirect reports for Geotechnical and Structures employees
• Participate in regular team meetings with Senior Managers

Capital and Operating Budget Allocation, Execution and Management

• Review priorities and plan for future bridge assessment based on bridge condition system, inspection protocol and assessment of current conditions
• Work closely with Regional Senior Managers of Bridges and Structures to develop the Capital Program
• Consolidate Regional recommendations into an overall function program for funding allocation
• Develop and mandate multi-year strategic bridge initiative program with 5, 10- and 20-year horizon outlook
• Assemble program with Vice-President, Engineering and present to senior operating team (Chief Operating Officer, Vice-President Finance, Regional Vice-Presidents)
• Ensure Regional Senior Managers are adhering to and complying with respective budgets

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The incumbent must be available to work weeknights and weekends when needed. The role is partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The role requires frequent travel (60%) across US and Canada for site visits. 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 manage stress. The incumbent must be trained in fall protection, must be able to walk long distances and must confidently walk across high bridges.