Auto Blast Operator

GATX Corporation; Hearne (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attendance (PTO) Incentive

Safety & Quality Performance Incentive

Job summary

GATX Corporation is seeking a Blast Operator to clean railcars using automatic blast equipment and to prepare and inspect cars before and after blasting. The role requires readiness to operate support systems, perform minor repairs, and ensure safety and quality standards are met.

The position involves physical work, reading work orders, and maintaining equipment. It offers union-driven pay with benefits, and the wage rate is set by the collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret IO and FM instructions and work orders.
• HS diploma or GED required; ability to obtain blast and weld certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate automatic blast equipment to clean railcars and related parts.
• Prepare railcars for blasting and post-blast cleanup and inspection.
• Connect railcars to rabbit system and move using transfer tables and winches.
• Adjust equipment to meet required blast profiles and replenish abrasive materials.
• Perform minor repairs and weld patches after blasting as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow safety policies.

Skills

Ability to read IO instructions

Basic math

Effective communication

Basic computer knowledge

Follow instructions

Education

HS diploma/GED

Tools

Welding certification

Blast certification

Job description

Overview

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, GATX Corporation (NYSE: GATX) is an industry leader with 125+ years of success—success that is powered by our people. At GATX, we hire the best and offer our employees a dynamic, energetic, collaborative environment to enable them to make an impact from day one. Enjoy the perks and benefits of a global company with the close-knit culture and community of a much smaller one. In the same way we strive to empower our customers to propel the world forward, we are dedicated to providing our people with the tools and resources they need to move forward in their careers.

In this role, you will operate automatic blast equipment that cleans paint, dirt, scale, and other materials from railcars and associated parts with blast of abrasive grit while performing the following duties.

Responsibilities

• Removes trucks from railcar prior to the car entering the blast booth and puts trucks back under car after blasting is complete. Operates automatic blast in an efficient and safe manner, and manually blasts and cleans areas of railcar that have paint, dirt, scale, and other materials on them after auto blast cycle.
• Removes all debris and covers specific parts and areas of railcar prior to the car entering the automatic blast booth. Uncovers such parts after blasting is complete.
• Hooks up railcar to rabbit system to pull car into blast booth.
• Moves railcars with transfer tables, trackmobile, and winches.
• Adjust controls on equipment to regulate speed of travel of railcar in automatic blast booth to attain required profile.
• Pours or shovels abrasive material into feed hopper to replenish supply.
• Operates stationary blasting equipment to remove scale and other foreign substances from inside and/or outside of cars and other materials.
• Dismantles parts of machines to remove foreign matter when stopped up.
• Changes hoses and hose fitting when necessary, and performs other minor repairs to blast equipment.
• Welds jacket patches after blasting operation is complete.
• Finishes weld by removing slag and grinding when necessary.
• Communicate with supervisors as needed.
• Keeps work area in a clean and orderly manner.
• Comply with established safety policies, support continuing safety awareness for safety, and when possible recommend specific changes and improvements to health and safety policies and programs.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as IO instructions, FM instructions, and work orders.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide two-digit numbers.
• Ability to reason through and plan work details and procedures to obtain desired results
• 1-2 years’ experience in Blasting (preferred) or must be able to acquire and maintain blast certification(s).
• 1-2 years’ experience in Welding (preferred) or must be able to acquire and maintain weld certification(s).
• Knowledgeable of railcar repairs.
• Effective communication skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stoop for extended periods and routinely move from kneeling to standing positions.
• Must be able to perform overhead work for extended periods
• Must be able to safely lift (vertically) up to 51 lbs., regularly and safely lift up to 85 lbs. from the ground surface.
• Must be able to push/pull (horizontally) up to 140 pounds of force.
• Must be able to climb ladders and perform work at elevated heights.
• Must be able work in extreme temperature environments.
• Must be able to physically enter confined space and work in enclosed environments.

Posting Duration

This posting will remain open until the role is filled.As of the post date, the salary range for this position is:

Min

USD $28.80/Yr.

Max

USD $29.42/Yr. You may be eligible to participate in the Attendance (PTO) Incentive as well as a Safety and Quality Performance Incentive Plan, the details of which may be provided to the applicant upon hire. The rate for this position is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.