Build Your Career With a Team That Keeps America Moving

Cypress Rail Solutions is hiring a Coatings Technician to support railcar repair operations across in Iowa City. This hands‑on role is ideal for individuals with industrial coatings experience who are ready to apply their skills in the rail industry while working alongside experienced technicians and leadership in a fast‑paced field environment.

As a Coatings Technician, you’ll be responsible for preparing surfaces, applying protective coatings, and ensuring quality and compliance across freight and tank cars—playing a critical role in protecting rail assets from corrosion, chemical exposure, and environmental wear.

Whether you’re continuing your career in industrial coatings or bringing transferable skills into the rail industry, this is an opportunity to work with a company that values safety, quality, and teamwork.

What You’ll Do

• Perform surface preparation including abrasive blasting, sanding, grinding, and cleaning of freight cars and tank cars
• Apply coatings using brushes, rollers, spray systems, and other application methods in accordance with specifications
• Measure and verify coating thickness, adhesion, and cure using inspection tools such as mil gauges and holiday detectors
• Mix and prepare coatings in accordance with manufacturer specifications and technical data sheets
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and compliance with AAR, FRA, OSHA, and company standards; document work and report issues
• Identify coating defects and perform corrective actions as needed
• Safely handle, store, and dispose of coatings, solvents, and related materials
• Maintain and clean coating, blasting, and spray equipment
• Collaborate with welders, repair technicians, and quality assurance personnel to support overall operations
• Interpret and apply technical data sheets, coating specifications, and safety documentation (SDS)
• Perform work in confined spaces and at heights using proper safety procedures
• Complete work orders, inspection reports, and required documentation accurately and timely
• Follow all safety rules, wear required PPE, maintain an organized work area, and perform other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 2 years of industrial coatings experience
• Experience with spray equipment and surface preparation methods
• Ability to read and follow technical specifications, product data sheets, and SDS
• Strong understanding of PPE requirements and hazardous material safety
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
• Comfortable working in industrial environments, outdoors, and in varying weather conditions
• Willingness to work in confined spaces and at heights as required

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Full‑time, stable employment
• Opportunity to work in a mobile operations environment
• Hands‑on work protecting critical rail assets
• Supportive leadership and team‑driven culture
• Opportunity to grow your skills in specialized coatings applications
• Competitive pay based on experience and comprehensive benefits

Join a company where your work matters, your skills are valued, and your effort helps keep rail freight moving safely across the country.

Preferred Qualifications

• Railcar or tank car coatings experience
• Knowledge of industrial coating systems (epoxy, urethane, phenolic, etc.)
• NACE (AMPP) Certification
• Experience with plural component spray systems

Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Communication – Clearly communicates with team members, supervisors, and support personnel
• Problem Solving – Identifies coating defects and process issues and implements practical solutions
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Leadership – Demonstrates accountability, initiative, and a positive work ethic
• Time Management – Prioritizes tasks to meet deadlines and production goals
• Safety Awareness – Adheres to safety protocols and proactively identifies hazards

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and spray equipment
• Work performed at heights and in confined spaces
• Requires hand/eye coordination, dexterity, and visual acuity for inspections

Environmental

• Work performed in indoor and outdoor environments
• Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation
• Exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, and industrial coating materials
• Moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection
• Work performed in rail yard and shop environments
• Requires strict adherence to safety procedures and required PPE at all times

Education and Training

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must maintain an insurable driving status in accordance with company provisions

Requirements of Joining Our Team

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

• Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace (including random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing)
• Complete a comprehensive background check
• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States

This job description is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned, and responsibilities may change at any time at the discretion of management.

Cypress Rail Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.