Painter W-S Paint

About the role

Using state-of-the-art processes, painters are involved in the sanding, grinding, prepping, masking, taping, applying decals, and spraying of locomotives, railcars and other rail/locomotive components. The paint process covers the interior, exterior, underframes, and truck parts. These coatings vary based on the needs of each customer.

Responsibilities

• Use mechanical equipment, forklifts, cranes, pneumatic and electric winches and manlifts consistently, accurately, and safely
• Follow written/scope of work instructions and/or QWI’s consistently, accurately, and safely
• Work with little or no supervision consistently, accurately, and safely
• Read precision instruments and gauges accurately and safely
• Keep work area clean and organized consistently and safely
• Use electric and air operated hand tools accurately and safely
• Operate overhead cranes accurately and safely
• Complete and document jobs in a timely manner per traveler requirements/QWI’s/work instructions consistently, accurately, and safely
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with Progress Rail safety policies
• Perform all duties and responsibilities within time standards allowed
• Power wash & clean railcars, locomotive and other components consistently, accurately, and safely
• Prep and sandblast railcars, locomotives and other components accurately and safely
• Remove water, ice and debris prior to locomotive entering the blast booth
• Clean, mask and cover areas not to be blasted
• Wear protective gloves, face shield and rain suit (if necessary)
• Wipe off rubber seals and locations requiring tape
• Set up hoses, compressors, lights, blast pots and other equipment and make sure all are running properly
• Perform daily inspection and preventative maintenance on all equipment and tools in blast area
• Use a variety of media (shells, glass, steel, silica) at approximately 120 psi to remove rust and paint from rail cars
• Read and understand work order and record repairs correctly
• Assist in prepping car for paint
• Fill and empty blast hoppers as needed
• Move parts around blast booth as necessary
• Wear all protective equipment to include: Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Protective suit, Protective gloves to prevent contact with lacquer or enamel thinners, Fresh Air Supplied Respirator with cooler, Safety harness
• Shovel new and old media from the blast areas and keep hoppers full
• Perform required bodywork, mud and glaze dents or grind marks, perform touch-ups and repair flaws
• Prepare railcars for paint/coating, including blast media removal and protecting items not to be painted
• Mix and prepare various types of paints and coatings
• Distinguish parts for painting consistently and accurately
• Spray surfaces with primer
• Apply paints/coatings to surface using pressure spray systems, according to customer and manufacturer specifications
• Clean and maintain all paint equipment and areas
• Apply decals, stenciling and touch-up painting on railcars
• Move units in and out of booths

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Capable use of hand and power tools, including pneumatic tools
• Ability to wear blast hood and required respirator and compliance with medical surveillance program

Qualifications

• Skill Level I – 0–1 years of experience without any technical education
• Skill Level II – 1–2 years of experience or Technical Certifications
• Skill Level III – 2+ years of experience

Preferred: Previous Railcar or Locomotive Paint experience; Technical Degree in Auto body or similar paint program.

Essential and Physical Activities

• Strength – Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, push and pull up to 150 lbs
• Motion – Constant walking, frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, overhead reaching and climbing ladders
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms
• Work Environment – Works on varied surfaces (concrete floors, gravel, rail car and locomotive floors), at varied heights from floor level to tops of locomotives, and in confined spaces; non-temperature-controlled environment exposed to all weather conditions with high noise and high dust levels
• Emotional Demands – Comfortable working alone in noisy, dusty conditions while wearing personal protective equipment
• Safety – Safety-sensitive position working in and around active tracks, rail cars, locomotives and other moving equipment; must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE