Senior Project Engineer

 Reference Number : 964 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $102 816 - $127 008

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 09/03/2025

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

As part of the development and construction of the Dorval Multimodal Transfer Hub (PEM), the incumbent will act as the primary point of contact for all interfaces related to host railways. Reporting to the Director Specialist, Project Integration, this individual will play a central strategic and operational role in advancing the project. They will be responsible for maintaining ongoing coordination with railway partners (Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City) and with the design-builder, both technically and organizationally, to ensure alignment in design, planning, and execution activities. They will represent VIA Rail in technical discussions, contractual negotiations related to railway interfaces, and in managing impacts on existing operations.

Their role will also involve close collaboration with the project development partner to ensure the seamless integration of railway requirements throughout all phases of the project, from design to commissioning. They will interact regularly with VIA Rail and exo operations teams and act as a liaison with the design-builder to plan construction activities while ensuring railway safety at all times, minimizing service disruptions, and protecting the customer experience. Through their technical leadership, deep understanding of the railway environment, and ability to reconcile diverse stakeholder interests, this individual will directly contribute to the success of the Dorval Multimodal Transfer Hub (PEM) project.

Responsibilities:

Technical Railway Coordination:

• Act as a subject matter expert for all technical matters related to railway infrastructure: track design, drainage, work phasing, standards, and regulatory requirements;

• Conduct technical reviews of plans in coordination with host railways, identify operational impacts, and recommend adjustments that optimize both technical performance and cost.

Stakeholder Management:

• Maintain close and effective working relationships with host railways (CN, CPKC), the design-builder, VIA Rail and exo operations teams, and site representatives. This aspect is critical to the project’s success and requires the ability to navigate complex organizational environments and align operational, technical, and customer interests.

Interface Management During Construction Phase:

• Ensure smooth coordination between construction activities within railway corridors and operational imperatives;

• Serve as the main point of contact for railway-related aspects during this phase, ensuring the application of technical requirements, operational safety, and consistency in field interventions.<

Strategy and Budget Optimization:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the project by proposing solutions to minimize costs related to railway works and their operational impacts;

• Participate in evaluating technical alternatives based on feasibility, cost, and impact on operations and customer experience.

Customer Experience and Operations:

• Collaborate with internal groups to limit disruptions to passenger services (intercity and commuter);

• Integrate the customer perspective into work planning and ensure the implementation of mitigation measures to maintain a smooth transportation experience throughout the construction period.

Documentation and Project Governance:

• Ensure rigorous tracking of decisions, issues, and railway interfaces;

• Support internal reporting processes by providing clear, structured, and well-documented analyses to other project functions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering;

• Member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ);

• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in the railway sector;

• Minimum of 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in managing large-scale projects and in non-conventional delivery models;

• Valid track inspector certification is an asset;

• Qualification under the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROC) is an asset.

Competencies:

• Proven ability to integrate strategic and budgetary dimensions into technical project management;

• Demonstrates political acumen and excellent judgment; able to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with tact;

• Excellent understanding of railway design, construction management in active corridors, and passenger transport operations;

• Strong grasp of technical, regulatory, and commercial environments specific to railways, including track design, host railway interfaces, and railway operations;

• Experience in interdisciplinary coordination and managing complex stakeholder relationships;

• Recognized ability to manage priorities, structure issues, and demonstrate strong analytical thinking;

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with both technical teams and decision-makers;

• Field leadership, rigor, and customer orientation;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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