Welder / Fabrication Machine Operator Job

Primary location: Libertyville IL
Relocation offered: n/a
Employment status: Full-Time 
Travel: less than 5 %

The estimated base salary range for this role is $24-$26 per hour.  
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

What does it mean to work at MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries? 

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of your potential. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

A benefits package including: medical, dental, prescription drug, life insurance, 401k match, long-term disability coverage, vacation and sick time, and many more. 
Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests.
A working culture that balances individual achievement with teamwork and collaboration. We draw on each other's strengths and allow for different work styles to build engagement and satisfaction to deliver results. 
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Welder / Fabrication Machine Operator

Department: Manufacturing

Reports To: Procurement & Logistics Supervisor

Position Summary

The Welder/Fabrication Machine Operator performs welding, metal fabrication, and machine operation to support manufacturing operations. Employees are responsible for safely producing quality parts while operating fabrication equipment, performing setups based on skill level, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. This position is structured with a three-tier progression that recognizes increasing knowledge, technical ability, and responsibility.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Perform MIG welding and general metal fabrication.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and fabrication drawings.
• Operate fabrication machinery used in sheet metal manufacturing.
• Inspect parts using measuring tools to ensure quality standards are met.
• Perform material handling using forklifts, cranes, or other approved equipment.
• Complete required production and quality documentation.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and housekeeping.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and quality procedures.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement activities.
• Cross-train and assist in other manufacturing areas as required.

Machine Operator Progression

Level I – Machine Operator

Employees at Level I demonstrate the ability to safely operate one fabrication machine after completing required training.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate one assigned fabrication machine.
• Load and unload material.
• Perform quality inspections using measuring equipment.
• Follow standard work instructions.
• Notify supervision of equipment or quality concerns.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Typical Equipment

• Turret Punch
• Waterjet
• Press Brake
• Panel Bender
• Roll Former
• Saw
• Other fabrication equipment as assigned

Level II – Multi-Machine Operator

Employees at Level II are capable of independently operating multiple fabrication machines and maintaining production flow with minimal supervision.

Additional Responsibilities

• Independently operate two or more fabrication machines.
• Perform routine tooling changes.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Assist with training Level I operators.
• Verify first-piece quality inspections.
• Coordinate work priorities to support production schedules.

Level III – Setup Technician / Lead Machine Operator

Employees at Level III demonstrate advanced fabrication knowledge and are capable of machine setup, program verification, and mentoring other operators.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform complete machine setups.
• Change tooling and adjust machine parameters.
• Verify machine programs and production readiness.
• Perform first article inspections.
• Train and mentor Level I and II operators.
• Troubleshoot equipment and fabrication issues.
• Recommend process improvements to increase safety, quality, and productivity.
• Support engineering during new product launches and prototype builds.

Welding Responsibilities

Regardless of machine level, employees may be assigned welding duties based on production requirements.

Welding Duties

• Perform MIG welding on steel and aluminum components.
• Prepare materials for welding.
• Grind, finish, and inspect completed welds.
• Maintain welding equipment.
• Produce welds meeting company quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Manufacturing or fabrication experience preferred.
• Ability to read tape measures and blueprints.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, and work in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MIG welding experience.
• Experience operating CNC fabrication equipment.
• Experience performing machine setups.
• Forklift certification.
• Overhead crane experience.
• Lean Manufacturing or 5S experience.

Advancement Opportunities

Why should you join MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Why should you join Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is an Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications including ceilings, specialty walls and exterior metal solutions. With approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, AWI has about 3,700 employees and a manufacturing network of 21 facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 160 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable architectural solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.

We are committed to:

Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

About the location (Libertyville IL)

MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), is one of twelve AWI plants in North America. Our Libertyville plant in northern Illinois is located 1 hour northwest of Chicago, and 1 hour south of Milwaukee, WI. It is also a short, 7 mile drive to beautiful Lake Michigan.  Visit Libertyville’s historic downtown shopping and dining district, with nearly 100 restaurants, cafes and pubs. Stop by the Dunn Museum. Take your friends and family to the Libertyville Sports Complex. Check out their calendar of events for festivals, wine tastings, community bike rides, classic car shows and other activities that are hosted year-round.  Libertyville provides a hometown feel, while being close to the 3rd and 31st largest cities in the US!

MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce.  As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisition and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!