Industrial Painter/Blaster

UTLX

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) is seeking applicants to become a member of our production team at our full-service rail tank car repair shop in El Dorado, Kansas. UTLX is a trusted industry leader, recognized for its regulatory, engineering, and commercial expertise, and is the preferred railcar and services provider for many customers nationwide.

Owned by the Marmon Group and Berkshire Hathaway, UTLX is headquartered in Chicago's financial district, near major public transportation hubs. ULTX offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, along with the opportunity to be a part of a collaborative, safety-focused team that values enthusiasm, craftsmanship, professional growth and continuous improvement.

Position Summary:

The Car Finisher is responsible for preparing railcar surfaces and applying protective coatings using industrial blasting and painting equipment. This role involves surface preparation, accurate mixing and application of paints and finishes, and ensuring all work meets quality and safety standards. The position requires hands-on, physically demanding work, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to teamwork and maintaining a safe work environment.

Primary Responsibilities and/or essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Safely operate blasting, grinding, and painting equipment with moderate supervision.
• Prepare interior and exterior surfaces of tank and hopper cars by removing rust, scale, weld slag, and other contaminants using shot blasting equipment.
• Clean surfaces after blasting using approved air tools and vacuum systems to ensure proper coating adhesion.
• Grind weld spatter, laminations, sharp edges, and level girth welds as required to meet preparation standards.
• Inspect railcars throughout the process to ensure components are protected, free of damage, and properly prepared.
• Mask, tape, and foil areas and components not designated for coating, including valves, couplers, and trucks.
• Select, mix, and prepare coatings according to specifications, ensuring proper ratios of pigments, oils, bases, and thinners.
• Apply coatings to interior and exterior surfaces using airless spray equipment in accordance with quality standards.
• Perform final cleaning, touch-ups, and apply decals as required prior to inspection.
• Clean, inspect, maintain, and replenish blasting and spraying equipment and materials.
• Ensure completed work meets production timelines, quality expectations, and safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; identify and report hazards promptly.
• Demonstrate basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills necessary to follow instructions and document work.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent, or ability to pass a Combined Basic Skills Assessment Test
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with minimal supervision
• Ability to read and understand safety rules, procedures, and work instructions
• Strong focus on safety, quality, and attention to detail
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an industrial repair or manufacturing environment.
• Rail industry experience
• Tank car knowledge or experience
• Industrial blasting, painting, or coating experience

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Work performed in an industrial railcar repair facility with physically demanding conditions
• Exposure to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, heat, and varying weather conditions
• Requires moderate to heavy physical labor, including lifting, climbing, and working at heights or in confined spaces
• Must be able to enter tank cars through 20-inch manway openings
• Requires strong hand-eye coordination and sustained visual attention
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials from leaks or spills
• Required to wear PPE and follow all safety procedures
• On-site role: 5 days per week, with overtime as needed

Disclaimer:

The duties listed above are not intended to limit the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities or tasks that may be required. Duties and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

It is the policy of Union Tank Car Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, and to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons in all jobs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation, gender identify, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic protected by the law.

Pay Range:

24.52

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [email protected], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.