Locomotive Paint/Sandblast III

Progress Rail•Patterson, GA

About The Position

The Locomotive Paint/Sandblast III employee sands, grinds, prepares, masks, tapes, applies decals to, and sprays locomotives and locomotive components using state-of-the-art processes. The paint process covers interiors, exteriors, underframes, and truck parts, with coatings selected according to customer needs. The role involves cleaning and preparing locomotives and components, setting up and maintaining blasting and painting equipment, removing rust and paint with blasting media, performing bodywork and touch-ups, preparing and applying paint and coatings, and moving units into and out of booths. The employee follows work instructions and safety procedures, completes and documents work to applicable standards, and works with little or no supervision. This is a safety-sensitive role performed around active tracks and moving rail equipment.

Requirements

At Skill Level III, at least 2 years of experience.
Capable use of hand and power tools, including pneumatic tools.
Ability to wear a blast hood and required respirator and comply with the medical surveillance program.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push and pull up to 150 pounds.
Ability to perform constant walking and frequent sustained bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, overhead reaching, and ladder climbing.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms.
Comfort working alone in a noisy, dusty environment while wearing personal protective equipment.
Ability to work at varied heights, in confined spaces, on varied surfaces, and in all weather conditions.
Ability to comply with safety protocols for work around active tracks, railcars, locomotives, and other moving equipment.

Nice To Haves

Previous railcar or locomotive painting experience.
Technical degree in auto body or a similar paint program.

Responsibilities

Use mechanical equipment, forklifts, cranes, pneumatic and electric winches, manlifts, and hand tools safely and accurately.
Follow written work instructions, scopes of work, and QWIs; read precision instruments, gauges, and work orders.
Work with little or no supervision and complete and document jobs within required time standards and traveler requirements.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and comply with Progress Rail safety policies.
Power wash and clean locomotives and components; remove water, ice, and debris before units enter the blast booth.
Prepare, mask, and sandblast locomotives and components; clean and cover areas not to be blasted.
Set up hoses, compressors, lights, blast pots, and other equipment, check their operation, and perform daily inspections and preventative maintenance.
Use blasting media to remove rust and paint; fill and empty blast hoppers, move parts, and keep hoppers supplied.
Apply lacquer or enamel thinner and wipe rubber seals and areas requiring tape.
Perform bodywork, fill dents or grind marks with mud and glaze, touch up paint, and repair flaws.
Prepare surfaces for painting or coating, remove blast media, and protect items that are not to be painted.
Distinguish parts for painting and mix and prepare paints and coatings.
Spray primer and apply paints or coatings with pressure spray systems according to customer and manufacturer specifications.
Clean and maintain paint equipment and work areas.
Apply decals and stenciling and perform touch-up painting on railcars.
Move units in and out of booths.
Wear required protective equipment and follow safety protocols, medical screening requirements, and applicable PPE requirements.

Benefits

Competitive salary.
401(k) plan with up to 6% company match, immediate vesting, and no waiting period.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
Supplemental accident, critical care, and hospital insurance options.
HDHP and HSA with seed money.
Flexible spending accounts.
Paid vacation.
Paid holidays.
Paid time off (PTO).
Employee assistance plan.
Education assistance program.
Employee recognition programs.
Site-specific production and incentive plans.
Site-specific step and skill level wage adjustment plans.
Site-specific relocation and sign-on bonus programs.