Industrial Painter - Dixie Railcar

Compass Rail Services LLC; Hamlet (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Rail Services LLC seeks an Industrial Painter – Linings to prepare, coat, and finish railcar surfaces using approved linings and coatings in a safe, compliant environment.

The role requires experience in industrial painting/coatings, ability to read technical instructions, and knowledge of surface prep; work may occur in confined spaces, at heights, and in various weather conditions with strict safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial painting, linings, or coatings.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of surface preparation techniques.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in varying weather conditions.
• Must pass FRA drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Apply interior linings and exterior coatings to railcars using spray, brush, and roller methods.
• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, grinding, blasting, or chemical treatment to ensure proper adhesion.
• Mix, thin, and prepare coating materials according to manufacturer specifications and job requirements.
• Inspect surfaces for defects, contamination, or improper preparation and correct issues before coating.
• Apply primers, epoxies, urethanes, and specialty linings to meet customer and regulatory specifications.
• Use proper PPE and follow all safety protocols, including confined space, respiratory protection, and fall protection.
• Operate and maintain painting equipment, spray guns, pumps, hoses, and ventilation systems.
• Perform quality checks throughout the coating process to ensure thickness, adhesion, and finish meet standards.
• Document work performed, materials used, and inspection results in accordance with company procedures.
• Assist with railcar staging, masking, taping, and cleanup as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Skills

Industrial painting

Surface preparation

Coating application

Safety procedures

Reading tech instructions

Attention to detail

Tools

Spray guns

Pumps

Hoses

Ventilation systems

Respiratory protection

Job description

Position Summary

The Industrial Painter – Linings is responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing the interior and exterior surfaces of railcars using industry‑approved linings, coatings, and application methods. This role ensures all work meets AAR, FRA, customer, and company quality standards while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply interior linings and exterior coatings to railcars using spray, brush, and roller methods.
• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, grinding, blasting, or chemical treatment to ensure proper adhesion.
• Mix, thin, and prepare coating materials according to manufacturer specifications and job requirements.
• Inspect surfaces for defects, contamination, or improper preparation and correct issues before coating.
• Apply primers, epoxies, urethanes, and specialty linings to meet customer and regulatory specifications.
• Use proper PPE and follow all safety protocols, including confined space, respiratory protection, and fall protection.
• Operate and maintain painting equipment, spray guns, pumps, hoses, and ventilation systems.
• Perform quality checks throughout the coating process to ensure thickness, adhesion, and finish meet standards.
• Document work performed, materials used, and inspection results in accordance with company procedures.
• Assist with railcar staging, masking, taping, and cleanup as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in industrial painting, linings, coatings, or similar heavy‑industry environments.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions, coating specifications, and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of surface preparation techniques and coating application methods.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in various weather conditions.
• Must pass required drug & alcohol testing per FRA regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying railcar linings or tank car interior coatings.
• Familiarity with AAR and FRA standards.
• Prior experience with plural‑component spray systems.
• NACE or SSPC training/certification (not required but beneficial).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, bend, climb, and work in physically demanding environments.
• Ability to wear respirators and other required PPE.

Work Environment

• Industrial shop environment with exposure to chemicals, fumes, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Work may include confined spaces and elevated platforms.