Locomotive Painter/Sandblaster

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company

Patterson (GA)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 39,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching plan

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

PTO

Job summary

Progress Rail in Patterson, GA seeks an experienced painter/sandblaster to sandblast, prep, mask, decal, and spray locomotives and components. The role covers interior, exterior, underframes, and truck parts with various coatings per customer needs.

Responsibilities include operating cranes and blast equipment, following work instructions, and maintaining a safe, clean work area while meeting traveler and QWI requirements. Safety PPE is mandatory.

Qualifications

Experience with railcar/locomotive paint is preferred.
Technical degree in auto body or related paint program preferred.
Ability to operate hand and power tools and wear PPE.

Responsibilities

Use mechanical equipment, forklifts, cranes, pneumatic and electric winches and manlifts safely and accurately.
Follow work instructions and QWI’s consistently and safely.
Read precision instruments and gauges accurately and safely.
Complete and document jobs in a timely manner per traveler requirements.
Perform blast/paint prep, masking and masking removal per procedures.
Spray surfaces with primer and coats according to manufacturer specifications.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Safety compliance

Reading gauges

Physical stamina

Education

Railcar/locomotive painting experience

Auto body/paint program degree

Tools

Pneumatic tools

Blast equipment

Protective PPE usage

Job description

Job Purpose

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

Req ID

12446BR

Job Purpose

Work Location Options

Patterson

City

Patterson

State:

Georgia

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

Duties and 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 locomotive and other components consistently, accurately, and safely;
Prep and sandblast 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;
Wearing protective gloves, face shield and rain suit (if necessary);
Apply lacquer or enamel thinner;
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;
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;
Fill and empty blast hoppers as needed;
Move parts around blast both 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 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.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

Strength – Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs, push and pull up to 150lb;
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, and gravel, rail car and locomotive floors. Works at varied heights from floor level to tops of locomotives. Work in confined spaces. Non-temperature control environment, all weather conditions with high noise and high dust levels;
Emotional Demands – Due to the working environment, noise, dust, personal protective equipment, employee must be comfortable working alone;
Safety – Safety Sensitive positions because it works in and around active tracks, rail cars, locomotives and other moving equipment. Employee must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE.

Education / Training

Preferred Skills:

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

Qualifications And Experience

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;
Capable use of hand and power tools, including pneumatic tools;
Ability to wear blast hood and required respirator and Compliance with medical surveillance program.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

Competitive Salary
401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an 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
Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.