Senior Technical Advisor

 Reference Number : 1376 

Status : Temporary - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $83,281 - $97,978

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 08/08/2026

Duration: 1 year mandate

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. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Technical Advisors & Labs, the Technical Advisor will provide the necessary technical support to the teams at the Montréal Maintenance Centre. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring the performance of rolling stock, as well as identifying and documenting reliability and safety‑related issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Support operations

• Possesses technical expertise and acts as a subject matter expert for all first‑ and second‑level technical failures, supporting maintenance personnel across various areas of activity primarily related to locomotives and passenger rail cars (brakes, compressed air, diesel engine, control systems, traction motors, power and control circuits, HVAC systems, etc.).
• Ensures knowledge transfer and provides coaching to the Mechanical and Maintenance Services teams.
• Manages technical failures that could jeopardize train departures (OTP). Identifies and resolves issues within short timeframes, including situations that are new and/or evolving. Also ensures team alignment and prioritizes work to ensure tasks are completed in accordance with established standards and timelines.

Performance and reliability of rolling stock:

• Reviews train delays at the start of each shift and documents Wi‑Tronix data and defects recorded in virtual logbooks in collaboration with mechanical services.
• Supports the Mechanical and Maintenance management team in prioritizing defects and estimating approximate repair times.
• Applies technical expertise to improve rolling stock conditions and proposes improvements to the Engineering team, with the objective of enhancing reliability and performance.
• Works collaboratively with the Mechanical and Maintenance teams to monitor recurring defects, document root causes, and recommend corrective solutions.
• Leads discussions with members of various teams (management, planning, unionized employees) to encourage idea sharing for problem resolution and to propose innovative solutions.

Support to projects :

• Performs validation activities on equipment intended for use by the Engineering team in prototype design.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Technical diploma (DEC or AEC) or electrical or mechanical certification (or equivalent).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of work experience with railway equipment or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Technical Advisor, considered an asset.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Wi‑Tronix, QUADS, Railigent, and Maximo is considered an asset.
• May be required to travel to support equipment located on the road or at another maintenance center.
• Day shift.
• Proficiency in both French and English, written and spoken.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Teamwork: Leads the team toward the achievement of objectives.
• Collective learning: Mentors maintenance personnel and provides guidance on a wide range of topics.
• Accountability: Makes decisions to address issues with a significant impact on operations.
• Flexibility: May be required to travel or work different shifts.
• Results‑driven approach: Manages and prioritizes support requests and works independently to resolve sometimes complex problems.
• Communication skills: Uses appropriate communication methods to foster a dynamic and collaborative working environment with diverse teams, with a strong focus on teamwork.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making: Works effectively with colleagues from other disciplines to identify solutions to both common and uncommon issues.

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.

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!