Vehicle Painter

Vehicle Painters – Rail Rolling Stock

Location: Derby
Contract: Refurbishment project through to September 2028
Working Pattern: Permanent Days or Permanent Nights
IR35: Inside IR35
Accommodation/Subsistence: £60 per day net subsistence allowance for qualifying candidates

Vehicle Painters Wanted – Join a Major Rail Rolling Stock Refurbishment Project in Derby

We are currently recruiting experienced Vehicle Painters to join a leading client within the Rail Rolling Stock Industry, working on a major refurbishment contract based at their site in Derby.

This is an excellent opportunity for skilled painters with experience spraying vehicles, machinery or similar large-scale equipment to bring their expertise into the rail industry and work on a long-term project running through to September 2028.

With the choice of permanent day shifts or permanent night shifts, this role offers flexibility alongside the opportunity to work on a significant and long-term rail refurbishment programme.

Why Derby?

Derby is one of the UK’s best-known engineering and manufacturing centres, with a long-standing connection to the rail and transport industries. For anyone looking to develop or establish a career within rail, engineering or advanced manufacturing, Derby provides an excellent environment in which to do so.

The city also offers a great balance between career opportunities and quality of life. Derby provides a wide range of housing, leisure, restaurants and green spaces, while its location in the Midlands makes it well connected to Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester and other major centres.

For candidates relocating for the project, Derby offers the opportunity to do more than simply work on a contract — it is a location where you can potentially build a longer-term career and settle into a thriving engineering community.

The Role

As a Vehicle Painter, you will be responsible for preparing, painting and finishing rail vehicles and components to exacting quality standards.

Your work will play an important role in ensuring refurbished trains achieve the required aesthetic finish, durability and quality standards expected within the rail industry.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare vehicle and component surfaces by cleaning, sanding and removing dirt, rust and imperfections.

Apply primers, base coats and finishing coats using spray guns, rollers and brushes.

Follow detailed paint specifications, colour codes and application requirements.

Inspect completed work to identify imperfections, defects or inconsistencies.

Carry out touch-up painting and refinishing where required.

Ensure all work is completed to the required quality and specification.

Comply with all relevant health and safety procedures, including the correct use of PPE and ventilation systems.

Clean, maintain and inspect painting equipment to ensure it remains in good working condition.

Maintain accurate records of work completed, including paint types, colour codes and completion dates.

Work closely with engineers, maintenance personnel and other team members to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and on schedule.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for experienced Vehicle Painters who take pride in producing a high-quality finish and have a strong eye for detail.

You should have:

Previous experience spraying vehicles, machinery or similar large-scale equipment.

Good knowledge of vehicle and industrial painting techniques.

Experience using spray guns, rollers and brushes.

Knowledge of different paint systems and finishing products.

A strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

An understanding of health and safety requirements associated with painting operations and hazardous materials.

Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

The ability to stand for extended periods and work in a variety of positions.

The physical capability to lift and handle heavy components where required.

Rail industry experience is advantageous, but candidates with strong vehicle or industrial spraying experience are encouraged to apply.

Shift Patterns

Permanent Days – 45 Hours Per Week

Monday – Thursday: 06:00 – 16:30
30-minute unpaid lunch break each day

Friday: 06:00 – 11:00
No lunch break

Permanent Nights – 48 Hours Per Week

Monday – Thursday: 18:00 – 06:00
Four nights per week, with all breaks paid.

Candidates can choose either permanent days or permanent nights.

Subsistence Allowance

A £60 per day net subsistence allowance is available to qualifying candidates.

To qualify, candidates must live 55+ miles from the Derby site.