Key Punch Operator Jobs Near Me

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)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Advanced Machine Operator to operate and set up a Bruck perforating press (B. Glockner und F. Bruck) 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 steeltoe or compositetoe 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