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At CN, we work together to move our company—and North America—forward. Be part of our Information & Technology (I&T) team, a critical piece of the engine that keeps us in motion. From enterprise architecture to operational technology, our teams use the agile methodology to automate and digitize our railroad ensuring our operations run optimally and safely and our employees can focus on value-added tasks. You will be able to develop your skills and career 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 Manager, Onboard, Network and Communication System Design, Operational Technology is responsible for the production of detailed functional designs for solution subsystem components, whether based on a packaged solution or on custom development. The role works with product management, architecture, business, operations, and end users to understand the End-to-End architecture and requirements and flesh out a detailed system design for the specific component or area of expertise. The incumbent collaborates with other System Design teams to ensure consistency and practices-based approach across the entire subsystem. Moreover, the role is involved in the development, testing, integration stages up to the delivery and support to production.
Main Responsibilities
System Design
- Complete specifications, design, and software development of onboard, Network and Communication technology making up CN’s state-of-the-art mobile data centre
- Support and enable planning, execution and delivery of multiple projects or product roadmap advancements
- Evolve solutions with new applications, virtualization of existing products and evolution of technology to enable the CN automation roadmap, in partnership with Product Management
- Develop strong partnerships with Mechanical, Infrastructure, Supplier Management and support organizations
- Provide input into vendor roadmaps to evolve technologies aligned with CN’s vision
- Track new industry technology trends and demonstrate proficiency in their application
- Provide innovative solutions to improve CN’s operations
Delivery and Quality
- Work with Project Managers during the project to identify design, build, quality assurance lab and field-testing deliverables with associated estimates
- Work with the Development team to ensure system design is fully understood and developed with high quality
- Apply and ensure compliance with all appropriate CN Information and Technology (I&T) standards (e.g., Security, Architecture, Project Delivery Methodology, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Telecom, Software Engineering)
- Define the deployment plan of the software and hardware in the project with the business and support Quality and Assurance (Q&A) from Engineers from a technical subsystem product owner perspective
- Provide high quality executive presentations to senior management and business partners, especially for project steering committee meetings
- Commit and be accountable to project deliveries
- Handle and be accountable for suppliers’ scope of work in partnership with supplier management that involves multiple organizations within CN
- Monitor progress and produce status report
- Ensure project deadlines, quality standards, and cost targets are achieved
- Work with cross-functional teams to support positive interdepartmental partnerships
People Management
- Partner with Human Resources (HR) to bring new talent to the organization
- Create and enable a positive work environment through frequent coaching and build connections with employees
- Handle staff, workloads, and provide creative solutions in a dynamic environment
- Provide coaching and feedback to staff and define goals in support of team objectives
- Develop team performance and set direction for goals and development of employees, conduct succession planning, and handle training requirements
- Complete employee annual performance reviews
Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within Canada and the United States (U.S.).
Requirements Experience
Management in Technology Systems and Software Development
- Minimum 15 years of experience in technical leadership management roles involving technology systems and software development
- Minimum 10 years of overall work experience
- Minimum 5 years demonstrating leadership qualities or overseeing deliverables
oExperience in system design, software development, integration, testing and delivery of high-quality products
- Experience of complex Onboard, Network and Communication system development and software development in a large corporation
- Expertise in design and delivery of embedded systems that are part of large Internet of Things (IoT) applications
- Experience on definition activities and good on estimating and planning skills
- Experience in a complex cross-functional organization and political environment to deliver complex end-to-end projects
- Significant experience in applying a structured systems engineering approach (V-model)
- Experience in working with Agile and Development Operations (DevOps) development organizations to handle backlog and team’s sprints*
- Experience Managing Life cycle of delivery of complex software solution*
- Experience with executive presentations*
- Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset
Education/Certification/Designation
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent work experience
- Project Management Professional (PMP)*
- Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset
Competencies
- Sets goals that are consistent with CN’s plan and takes responsibility for achieving results
- Shares timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively
- Demonstrates analytical thinking and a broad vision when making decisions
- Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them
- Innovates through problem solving
- Possess organizational, time-management and prioritizing competencies
- Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience through speech and writing
- Demonstrates good judgment in decision making and makes difficult and timely decisions
- Is inspirational and innovative
- Prioritize individual development and continuous learning
- Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes
- Builds a relationship with clients and provides valuable services
Technical Skills/Knowledge
- Knowledge of System Engineering and Design Principles
- Knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies: Electronic control systems, reliability, safety-critical systems, embedded environment, and cybersecurity
- Knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC), Closed-circuit Television (CCTV), Energy Management System, and Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Knowledge of Onboard, Networks and Communication between the locomotive and a back-office solution
- Knowledge of networking topologies, protocols, and various communication stacks
- Strong knowledge of I&T environments and corporate infrastructure
- Proficient in documentation of complex concepts such as impact analysis, security models, performance and capacity planning, and strategic technical decision
Employees Supervised/Organizational Structure
The Manager, Onboard, Network and Communication System Design, Operational Technology reports to the Senior Manager, Onboard Network and Communication. The role requires the direct supervision of 6 to 8 non-unionized employees.
About CN
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.
For internal candidates, note that the grade level of the position will depend on the employee’s experience.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.
