Train maintenance and operations
We own, operate and service railway equipment. In numbers, this means a fleet of 396 passenger cars, 78 active locomotives, 159 railway stations and 4 modern maintenance facilities. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. They fall short of describing all the hard work invested by our train maintenance and operations crew to make our passengers travel safely, comfortably and on time.
A continuum of high railway performance.
From locomotive engineer to diesel engine mechanic, railway car mechanic, railway car electrician, locomotive attendant and general worker, all are focused on quality and compliance with safety and trade rules. Our crew runs our trains, troubleshoots issues with our rolling stock, monitors our yard movement and ensures the cleanliness of our cars. They directly impact the reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly service we provide to more than four million travellers annually.
On track and on time : Locomotive engineers
There is a saying among experienced railroaders: Anybody can run an engine, it's running a train that takes skills and experience. Moving millions of passengers annually, this is a safety critical position requiring very fine judgment. Our bilingual locomotive engineers safely and efficiently transport our passengers and crew. They are willing to work varying schedules or be away from home for extended periods of time. They run a tight schedule, complying with all relevant railway rules and ultimately providing excellent customer service.
You dream of joining a top organization in Canada who outranked every other transportation company. You are qualified to meet this worthwhile challenge because you have track operating experience, good technical and mechanical aptitudes, and are Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) qualified. There’s plenty of work and learning opportunities on your horizon. You will benefit from our Welcome aboard training program and ongoing training opportunities.
Watch the track ahead with us. Come aboard and apply!
Modern and well-equipped maintenance centers
The reality of our industry and operations encourages variety, versatility and various work schedules (days, evenings, nights, weekends and statutory holidays) for the vast majority of our positions. We do our best to provide a safe and secure environment for our employees, which includes access to our modern, well-equipped and heated maintenance centers. These facilities include a truck shop with grit blast and component painting equipment, an electronics shop, an upholstery shop, an oil laboratory, and a vibration testing and instrument calibration facility. Discover our locations.
Learning focused on respect of rules and procedures
All our train and maintenance positions provide opportunities to learn about VIA rules and procedures and their applications. In particular, apprenticeship jobs further consolidate this acquired knowledge into daily practices and help develop the required skills to move ahead in a chosen career path.
Between trips : railway maintenance teams
Our maintenance teams can be credited with expertly maintaining, cleaning, repairing and inspecting our cars and locomotives. Here’s a list of typical positions.
Diesel engine mechanics
We operate 78 diesel locomotives. Our fleet of GMD F40PH-2s was recently modernized and our newer GE P42DCs are used on Corridor services. Our diesel engine mechanics ensure that these engines achieve the best time to destination, in the safest way possible. Their specialization and our inspection program enable them to determine the causes and solutions to mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic issues. Their vigilance helps us continually surpass Transport Canada’s standards.
You can join this railway team in our safe and secure environment if you possess a vocational diploma in heavy vehicle mechanics or construction machine mechanics; a provincial certificate in mechanics; have a minimum of five years of experience in heavy duty mechanics, three of which are in diesel engine mechanical maintenance. You have the fortitude and determination to work on day, evening, or night shifts, including weekends and statutory holidays. You will benefit from our Welcome aboard training program and ongoing training opportunities.
Ready to take care of our equipment? Come aboard and apply!
Railway car mechanics
With a wide range of locomotives and passenger cars, there is always something to do around the clock. Our mechanics proactively maintain or repair mechanical issues on our railway equipment to ensure the safety of our passengers and crew. They may be called upon to do light repairs (chairs, door systems, etc.) or heavy ones (changing wheels, trucks, etc.)
To seize this opportunity, you firmly wave your vocational diploma in heavy vehicle mechanics or construction machine mechanics; provincial certificate in mechanics; and a minimum of three years of experience in heavy duty mechanics, excluding one year in welding and/or piping. You will benefit from our Welcome aboard training program. Ongoing training opportunities will be on your schedule.
Ready to put the wheels in motion. Come aboard and apply !
Railway car electricians
With patience and a strong problem-solving ability, our safety-minded team of electricians maintains and services our 78 locomotives and 396 passenger cars. They have the overall responsibilities of all our electrical equipment, including lighting and HVAC systems. They are able to interpret electrical or electronic drawings and determine wiring layouts in addition to using a variety of specialized equipment.
You will build on your vocational diploma or college degree in electricity, cooling or industrial electronics; provincial certificate in electricity; and minimum of four years of electrical experience. You will do shift work in one of our state-of-the-art maintenance centers, on service tracks or other railroad property. You will benefit from our Welcome aboard training program. You will enjoy the possibility of ongoing training opportunities.
Energize your career. Come aboard and apply!
Locomotive attendants
This is a team of robust yard workers capable of tackling year-round, all-weather duties, and work hours. They monitor the movement of our impressive fleet of locomotives and trains in one of our state-of-the-art maintenance centers. They share a common priority: safety.
You can be a locomotive attendant if you have your high school diploma, experience as a railway laborer and your Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate. You will benefit from our Welcome aboard training program. We’ll provide the ongoing training and safe environment.
Do you see this job as the right track for you? Come aboard and apply!
General Worker
Our genenal workers are satisfied only when everything is in order and looks sparkling clean. They help our customers enjoy a tidy, healthy and welcoming environment, maintaining both the interior and exterior of our passenger cars with care. In particular, they pay attention, among other things, to carpets, tables and chairs, toilets, windows as well as refilling the drinking water systems and emptying the waste water.
You also enjoy keeping things organized, clean and proper. You have a completed high school diploma. Experience in a similar position is considered an asset. You are at ease working primarily nights, including weekends and statutory holidays. You have initiative and plan to learn and grow in our safe and friendly environment. You will benefit from our Welcome aboard training program and ongoing training opportunities.
Ready to shine at VIA Rail? Come aboard and apply!