Auto Blast Operator

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, GATX Corporation (NYSE: GATX) is an industry leader with 125+ years of success—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.

This role involves operating 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.

• Remove trucks from a railcar prior to entering the blast booth and return them after blasting.
• Operate automatic blast efficiently and safely, and manually blast and clean areas with paint, dirt, or scale after the auto blast cycle.
• Remove all debris and cover specific parts and areas of the railcar before blasting; uncover them after blasting.
• Hook up railcar to rabbit system to pull the car into the blast booth.
• Move railcars with transfer tables, track mobile, and winches.
• Adjust controls on equipment to regulate the speed of the railcar in the blast booth for the required profile.
• Pour or shovel abrasive material into the feed hopper to replenish supply.
• Operate stationary blasting equipment to remove scale and other foreign substances from inside and/or outside cars.
• Dismantle parts of machines to remove foreign matter when stopped.
• Change hoses and fittings as necessary, and perform minor repairs to blast equipment.
• Weld jacket patches after blasting operation is complete.
• Finish weld by removing slag and grinding when necessary.
• Communicate with supervisors as needed.
• Keep work area clean and orderly.
• Comply with established safety policies, support continuing safety awareness, and recommend specific changes and improvements to health and safety policies and programs.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as IO instructions, FM instructions, and work orders.
• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic with two-digit numbers.
• Ability to reason through and plan work details and procedures to obtain desired results.
• 1–2 years of experience in blasting (preferred) or ability to acquire and maintain blast certification(s).
• 1–2 years of experience in welding (preferred) or ability to acquire and maintain weld certification(s).
• Knowledge of railcar repairs.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Effective communication skills.
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions.

• 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., and regularly 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 work at elevated heights.
• Must be able to work in extreme temperature environments.
• Must be able to enter confined spaces and work in enclosed environments.

As of the post date, the salary range for this position is 27.96 USD - 28.56 USD per hour. The rate for this position is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

You may be eligible to participate in the Attendance (PTO) Incentive as well as a Safety and Quality Performance Incentive Plan; we may provide details upon hire.

This posting will remain open until the role is filled.