Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Columbus, OH

Primary location: Johnstown, Ohio 
Employment status: Full-Time 

​What does it mean to work at Steel Ceilings, 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. 

Shifts Available:

• 2nd Shift: 2:45 PM – 11:00 PM (+$1.00/hr shift differential)
• 3rd Shift: 10:45 PM – 7:00 AM (+$2.00/hr shift differential)

Compensation:
Starting at $25.00 per hour and up, based on experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrated skill level.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Advanced Machine Operator to operate and set up a Bruck perforating press (B. Glöckner und F. Brück) within our metal fabrication facility supporting the Armstrong World Industries MetalWorks product portfolio.

This role requires a strong mechanical background, precision setup expertise, and the ability to independently troubleshoot quality and runability issues. The operator must consistently maintain high-precision tolerances across varying materials and production volumes, including long, high-speed production runs and short custom orders.

This is not an entry-level press position. Candidates must be capable of full machine ownership on shift, including setup, adjustment, quality verification, and independent problem resolution. The ideal candidate will ensure high-precision perforated metal production, troubleshoot complex issues, and maintain production efficiency.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Advanced Setup & Machine Operation

• Set up, calibrate, and operate the Bruck perforating press according to job orders, engineering drawings, and production schedules.
• Prepare tooling, punches, dies, gagbars, feed systems, and clamping devices specific to perforation patterns and materials.
• Program or adjust machine controls and parameters (including feed rates, stroke frequency, and servo/PC software where applicable).
• Perform complete machine setup and changeovers on the Bruck perforating press.
• Install and align die-based perforation tooling.
• Configure feed systems, material alignment, and stroke settings.
• Adjust parameters within Bruck control software (training provided).
• Conduct first-piece validation and make precision adjustments prior to production release.
• Maintain perforation accuracy

Independent Troubleshooting & Process Control

• Independently diagnose and correct:
• Hole misalignment
• Feed tracking issues
• Burr formation
• Tool wear or breakage
• Material distortion
• Dimensional drift
• Optimize stroke rates and feed settings to balance quality and throughput.
• Maintain machine runability during both:
• Long, high-speed production runs
• Short-run custom production orders
• Minimize downtime through proactive adjustments and mechanical awareness.

Quality Assurance

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications to determine hole patterns, spacing, tolerances, and material type.
• Measure and inspect perforated product using precision measuring tools to ensure compliance with strict tolerances and quality standards.
• Digital calipers
• Micrometers
• Tape measures
• Other precision gauges as required
• Ensure compliance with Armstrong MetalWorks perforation standards.
• Accurately document inspections and production results.
• Identify defects or inconsistencies and implement corrective actions promptly.

Production metrics are tracked and reported daily. Operators are expected to meet established performance, scrap, and efficiency standards.

Tooling & Mechanical Knowledge

• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs on the perforating press and associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues to minimize downtime and maintain production targets.
• Collaborate with maintenance technicians for complex repairs or upgrades.
• Understand die-based perforation systems and punch/die relationships.
• Monitor tooling condition and identify wear patterns.
• Assist with installation and setup of newly purchased OEM pattern dies.
• Perform preventative maintenance including cleaning, lubrication, and visual inspection.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company-specific safety standards and procedures (training provided) and OSHA Safety Policies.

• Adhere to lockout/tagout procedures.
• Wear required PPE.
• Maintain clean and organized workspace around high-speed press equipment.

• Attend required training sessions and comply with all company policies and procedures.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 3–5+ years of industrial press operation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform machine setups and changeovers.
• Experience maintaining tight dimensional tolerances.
• Proven troubleshooting ability in a production environment.
• Perforating press experience strongly preferred.
• Equivalent experience with stamping presses, punch presses, or similar high-speed mechanical presses acceptable.

Technical Skills

• Advanced mechanical aptitude.
• Strong understanding of press mechanics and tooling alignment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production documentation.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools.
• Ability to maintain production quality in both high-speed and short-run environments.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to extreme hot/cold temperatures, loud noise, dust, uneven walking surfaces, and machine-related hazards. 
• Required PPE includes safety glasses, earplugs, and steel‑toe or composite‑toe boots; additional PPE provided as needed.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and working with hands to handle materials and equipment.
• Occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling. 
• Regularly lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally lift up to 75 lbs. 
• Must possess visual abilities including close, distance, peripheral, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

Steel Ceilings, a subsidiary of AWI, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants receive consideration for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status

Why should you join Steel Ceilings, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1B in revenue, AWI has about 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of fifteen 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 150 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 ceiling 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 (Johnstown OH)

Steel Ceilings, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), is one of fifteen AWI plants in North America. Our Johnstown plant in Central Ohio is located a mere 30 minutes from the capital of Ohio, Columbus, a major metropolitan area. Known for its quaint "small-town America" vibe, its proximity to Columbus, the 15th largest city in the US, provides the best of both worlds. In addition to the numerous golfing opportunities that Johnstown can boast about. There are car cruise-ins, concerts, bike path trails, theatrical performances, street festivals, and antique fairs hosted in the area year-round.

Steel Ceilings, 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!