Finishing Technician 1

Who We Are

Recognized as one of Crain’s “Best Places to Work in Chicago” as well as a 2024 “Great Places to Work”, by the Great Place To Work Institute Inc., Sasser prides itself on supporting an employee-driven, opportunity-based culture that empowers, recognizes, and rewards its employees. From highly competitive benefits to exciting employee events to organic, grassroots philanthropy and volunteerism, Sasser is an awesome place to begin and grow your career. We are a fourth-generation, family-held transportation asset services and management company with roots dating to 1928. Sasser’s six subsidiary units are leaders in providing commercial- and industrial-focused rail, automotive, containerized shipping, and aviation transportation equipment solutions including asset leasing, fleet administration management, asset repair and maintenance, and innovative technology services.

Sasser Family Companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, Union Leasing, CF Rail Services, Express 4x4 Truck Rental, Xced Aviation Services, and Falcon Lease. To learn more about what makes Sasser special, visit www.sasser.com.

As a Finishing Technician 1 - 2nd Shift, Here's What You'll Do:

Operates Blasting equipment to remove rust, scale, paint and other foreign materials from interior and /or exterior of railcars or equipment. The employee strives for a high level of quality and works with a limited amount of supervision. This position is for 2nd shift, depending on production needs, will be scheduled 2:30pm - 11:00pm or 4:30pm - 1:00am.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Learn and adhere to all CFRS safety procedures.
• Learn the basic flow and logistics of the railroad industry and repair business.
• Keep work area clean and in an orderly manner to comply with CFRS, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations.
• Follow written and verbal directions and have basic math, reading, and writing skills, while effectively working in a team environment, including but not limited to BRC work order understanding and execution without instructional intervention.
• Thorough understanding of railcar components and/or shop work order.
• Blow off railcars and inspect condition. Confirm the railcar is clean, dry, and free from foreign objects prior to blasting.
• Cover car parts with protective materials (burlap, paper, cloth) to prevent blast media from damaging sensitive railcar components. Remove cover material after blasting.
• Operate blasting equipment, internal/external, to prepare railcar surface for coatings or surface cleanliness based on individual railcar blasting requirements.
• Surface preparation of non-railcar components using various blast media methods.
• Change various hose sizes and nozzles when necessary.
• Clean, maintain, and properly store equipment. Dismantle, assemble, and adjust blasting equipment, as necessary, to ensure equipment operates per manufacturers specifications.
• Make adjustments to equipment as is necessary to perform efficient and proper blasting, including but not limited to, grit recovery systems.
• Move and position scaffolding as necessary.
• Assist finishing department as required.
• Perform blast profile measurements by use of profile tape and dial indicator.
• Set-up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, blasting equipment, grinders, wire and sanding discs, etc.
• Successfully complete this position's "Education/Formal Training" requirements.
• Wear PPE in appropriate areas

Here's What it Will Take to be Successful in this Role:

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED), or one to three months of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successfully pass the following courses with an 80% or higher score coordinated by CF Rail Management:
  • Blast profile preparation; white metal, near white, etc.
• Documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, manlift, crane, back hoe, skid loader, hoist, hydraulic boom

Skills

Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations in the English language.

Mathematical skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning skills: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out in