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Play a critical part in ensuring equipment reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
The Heavy-Duty Rail Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting of heavy rail equipment, including locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and related mechanical systems. This role plays a critical part in ensuring equipment reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
This role operates in a fast-paced, safety-critical rail environment where attention to detail, adherence to procedures, and responsiveness are essential. The successful candidate is comfortable working under time pressure, diagnosing mechanical issues efficiently, and executing repairs to high quality standards, without compromising safety or compliance.
About the Role, Benefits & Perks:
- Full-time, Permanent.
- 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday.
- Primary location: CRWS shop (Squamish, BC).
- Probation Period: 3 months from the start date.
- $$
- Group insurance and health benefits plan.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Flexible work arrangements after probation period.
- Opportunity to work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America.
- Reporting to Shop Supervisor – Field Ops & PMO Department.
- Occasional travel to depots, yards, or client sites may be required.
- Flexibility in hours may be required to support operational and project needs
The Perfect Candidate:
Education
- Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic, Railway Mechanic, or equivalent trade certification.
- Relevant provincial certification or Red Seal endorsement is an asset.
- Rail-specific certifications or training are a strong asset.
Experience & Technical Competencies
- 3–7 years of experience as a heavy-duty mechanic, preferably in rail, transportation, or industrial environments.
- Experience working on locomotives, passenger rail vehicles, freight cars, or similar heavy equipment.
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including braking, suspension, running gear, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, drawings, and maintenance procedures.
- Experience working safely in industrial, shop, or rail yard environments.
- Willingness to work in schedule-driven, fast-paced operations.
Soft Skills & Professional Competencies
- Strong safety mindset and attention to detail.
- Reliable, hands-on, and accountable for quality of work.
- Ability to troubleshoot methodically and work independently when required.
- Clear communication with supervisors, engineers, and team members.
- Comfortable working under time pressure and changing priorities.
Working Conditions & Mobility
- Physically demanding role requiring lifting, climbing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.
- Exposure to outdoor conditions, noise, grease, and heavy equipment.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required at all times.
Responsibilities Include:
Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul
- Perform mechanical maintenance, inspections, repairs, and overhauls on rail vehicles and heavy-duty equipment.
- Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical issues using schematics, manuals, and diagnostic tools.
- Repair or replace components such as braking systems, running gear, couplers, suspension components, engines, and auxiliary systems.
- Support refurbishment, modernization, and retrofit programs for rolling stock.
Inspection & Compliance
- Conduct inspections in accordance with applicable railway standards, maintenance manuals, and safety regulations.
- Identify defects, wear, and non-conformities and recommend corrective actions.
- Ensure all work complies with Transport Canada regulations, AAR standards, and internal safety procedures.
- Complete required inspection and maintenance documentation accurately and on time.
Troubleshooting & Field Support
- Support troubleshooting and corrective actions during commissioning, testing, and in- service operations.
- Respond to equipment issues in the shop or in the field, including urgent or time-sensitive repairs.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to resolve recurring issues.
Tools, Equipment & Housekeeping
- Use and maintain hand tools, power tools, lifting equipment, and diagnostic instruments safely and properly.
- Follow lockout/tagout, confined space, and other safety procedures.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with other mechanics, supervisors, engineers, and project teams.
- Provide feedback on equipment condition, maintainability, and repair practices.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of maintenance processes and safety practices.
Applying is Easy!
- Create a Profile and upload your resume here (you only have to do this once): https://www.squamish-jobs.com/application
- OR If you have already created a profile with us, simply email talent@squamish-jobs.com to let us know that you’d like to chat about this role.
- Please do not reach out to the company directly as Squamish Personnel is doing the first round of interviews for this position. All applications must come through us to be considered.
Our career matching and consulting services are confidential and FREE to job seekers – with no strings or commitments required.
We will review all applications and contact candidates who have been selected for further consideration or an interview. If you would like an update on your application, please email us at talent@squamish-jobs.com or call us at 604 398 4977 ext 2.
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Tip for Out-of-Town Applicants: IIf you are currently living outside the area, you must be willing to relocate – be sure to tell us if you’ve already secured or researched local accommodation and your planned arrival date. Only candidates with a valid Canadian work permit will be considered. Click here for some resources.