Mechanical Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Our company is creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.

Reporting to the Mechanical Supervisor, the Mechanical Lead is a key member of the Operations and Mechanical team responsible for executing maintenance and operating plans that support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of company equipment and facilities. This role contributes directly to operational excellence by maintaining equipment availability, supporting train movements, resolving mechanical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and brand standards. The Mechanical Lead demonstrates ownership, builds strong working relationships, embraces continuous improvement, and supports a positive team environment through coaching, communication, and knowledge sharing.

This position is deemed Safety Sensitive and pre-employment testing will be required. This position requires you to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, the public, property, or the environment.    

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety by consistently demonstrating safe work practices, complying with FRA, GCOR, GOI, host railway requirements, and company safety policies.
• Identify, protect, and report hazards, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and support workplace incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain required certifications, including company-provided First Aid, and proactively address risks that may impact team members, guests, partners, or operations.
• Model accountability and sound judgment when making decisions in safety-sensitive environments.

Operations & Equipment Availability

• Support the successful execution of operating plans by ensuring equipment readiness and availability.
• Assist with safe train movements, switching activities, and railway operations, including operating handbrakes, track switches, derails, air hoses, HEP cables, and water connections.
• Execute materials handling strategies and effectively utilize available resources to meet operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely communication, documentation, and reporting to support informed decision making and operational effectiveness.
• Adapt to changing priorities, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute ideas that enhance efficiency and reliability.

Mechanical Maintenance & Reliability

• Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, service, and repair railcars, locomotives, facilities, and related equipment.
• Read and interpret schematics, manuals, technical drawings, and maintenance instructions to diagnose issues and complete repairs.
• Execute preventative maintenance and reliability programs while ensuring work orders are completed to established quality and brand standards.
• Respond to service failures, support cross-functional repairs, and collaborate with contractors and internal partners to resolve equipment issues efficiently.
• Utilize tools, equipment, and technology effectively while continuously seeking improvements to maintenance processes and service delivery.

Team Collaboration & Development

• Foster positive working relationships by communicating openly, sharing relevant information, and supporting team decisions.
• Provide on-the-job coaching, guidance, and technical support to team members and contractors while contributing to a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Seek feedback, participate in development initiatives, expand technical expertise, and support knowledge sharing across teams.
• Demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a solutions-focused approach when addressing challenges and changing operational needs.

What You Bring

• Strong commitment to safety, accountability, and quality workmanship.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to build trust, collaborate across functions, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to embrace change and identify innovative ways of working.
• Proficiency with computer applications and maintenance-related technologies.
• Understanding of mechanical systems including electrical and refrigeration systems.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, millwork, locomotive maintenance, railcar maintenance, railroad operations, or 480VAC three-phase electrical systems is considered an asset.

Experience & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe operation of heavy equipment, including forklifts, cranes, or similar equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe use of hand and power tools.
• Journeyman or Master Trades Qualification is an asset.
• Previous qualification under Railway Operating Rules is an asset.
• First Aid Certification is an asset.
• Ability to travel regularly, work extended shifts in a 24/7 operation, perform physically demanding work, and work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Work Environment

• Will require frequent-weekly travel
• Hours worked per day range from 10 hours – 12 hours
• Physical demands may require lifting to 80 lbs on occasion
• Rail industrial site that requires walking and sitting throughout the day
• 24/7 operation that may require a varied work schedule
• Indoor/outdoor working environment

Compensation

The base salary offered for this role is $36.05 per hour. 

Perks and Benefits

All team members regularly working 30 hours per week will be eligible for our group benefits plan, which includes:  

• Medical, Dental, Vision care, and Life Insurance  
• Armstrong Collective is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov. 
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance  
• Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance  
• Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay 
• 401(k) plan (employee contributions only) 
• Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
• Two annual complimentary rail pass (beginning your 2nd season)
• Seasonal wage increases 
• Growth opportunities 
• Fun and inclusive team environment 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.