Railcar Coatings Applicator

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $26 - $32 per hour

Railcar Coatings Applicator
Location: Beaumont, TX
Schedule: Full-Time | Day Shift starting at 6:00 AM
Pay: $26 - $32 per Hour, Pending Verification of Qualifications

About the Role

Iron Horse is growing and we are looking to hire more qualified individuals to support our Paint Operations in Beaumont, TX. Join a top-tier team applying industry-leading coatings to critical freight rail equipment.

Iron Horse Rail Services is seeking a skilled and experienced Coatings Applicator to handle advanced interior and exterior coating processes on railcars. This is a highly compensated position ideal for a professional with a strong coatings background and, preferably, NACE certification or equivalent field expertise.

What You'll Do

• Prep, mask, and coat interior/exterior railcar surfaces using appropriate tools and methods.
• Select and operate the proper coating systems for primers, finishes, and specialty applications.
• Apply coatings via spray techniques with accuracy and consistency.
• Perform quality checks to identify and correct coating defects such as blisters, runs, or streaks.
• Verify paint viscosity, equipment settings, and spray patterns before and during application.
• Disassemble, clean, and maintain spray and blasting equipment.
• Remove components that dont require blasting or painting; reassemble post-process.
• Use abrasive blasting techniques to strip surfaces of old paint, rust, grease, and contaminants.
• Interpret work orders and scopes of work to ensure repairs are completed to spec and within time expectations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and follow all safety protocols.
• Work closely with crew members and supervisors in a team-based environment.
• Ensure all coatings meet AAR quality assurance and customer specifications.

What You Bring

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of railcar or industrial coatings experience preferred.
• Familiarity with NACE standards, abrasive blasting, or sponge-jet blasting is a strong plus.
• Ability to read basic blueprints and scopes of work.
• Mechanically inclined with experience operating tools and equipment for surface prep and application.
• Ability to work safely in physically demanding and industrial environments (confined spaces, heights, heat, noise, etc.).
• NACE certification or similar industry credential is highly desirable.

Key Traits for Success

• Detail-Oriented: Committed to precision and quality in every coating pass.
• Problem Solver: Skilled at identifying and correcting issues during prep and application.
• Team Player: Contributes to team success while taking ownership of individual tasks.
• Teachable & Professional: Open to feedback, training, and continuous improvement.
• Safety-Focused: Understands and prioritizes safe work practices in all environments.

Working Environment

• Frequent exposure to airborne particles, fumes, and high-decibel noise.
• Physically demanding: frequent climbing, bending, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and entering railcars.
• Use of respirators and PPE required.
• Exposure to outdoor weather and temperature changes.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive base
• Stable, full-time work
• Growing operation with advancement opportunities
• Strong safety culture
• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), etc.)

Take pride in precision work that keeps railcars moving safely across the country. If you're a coatings expert looking for a higher-level opportunity with a respected team and room to grow, we want to hear from you.

Ready to put your coatings skills to work? Apply today.