Skilled Crating & Skid Fabrication Operator

Position: Skilled Crating & Skid Fabrication Operator Job
Primary location: LIbertyville, IL
Relocation offered: n/a
Employment status: Full-Time
Travel: less than 5%
Non-compete: N/A

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.

Primary Duty

Operate power equipment-including miter saws, panel saws, pneumatic nailers/staplers, knotchers, and related woodworking tools-to build oversized skids, crates, and custom packaging based on supplied drawings. Includes safe material handling and forklift operation to support production flow.

General Duties

• Build wooden crates, skids, and specialty packaging according to blueprints, drawings, or provided cut lists.
• Safely operate woodworking tools including miter saws, panel saws, table saws, nail guns, and pneumatic tools.
• Perform material handling duties including moving lumber, hardware, and finished crates using pallet jacks, carts, and forklifts.
• Operate forklifts to transport materials, load/unload trucks, and stage work for production following all safety procedures.
• Measure, mark, and inspect materials to ensure accuracy and minimize waste.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area; dispose of scrap materials appropriately.
• Observe all company safety policies, guidelines, and OSHA regulations.
• Perform routine checks and minor maintenance on equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Document completed work, material usage, and quality checkpoints as required.
• Assist with loading, securing, and staging finished crates and skids for shipment.
• Support cross-functional team needs when required.

Working Responsibilities

• Follow all company and OSHA safety policies for machine operation, material handling, forklift usage, and PPE requirements.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, and production layouts.
• Cut lumber to precise mechanical tolerances using saws and specialty cutting equipment.
• Assemble crates and skids using fasteners, gussets, braces, and reinforcements based on design requirements.
• Safely operate forklifts to move raw materials, components, and finished goods throughout the production area.
• Conduct pre-operation forklift inspections and report any unsafe conditions.
• Inspect assemblies for structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with specifications.
• Participate in 5S, continuous improvement, and team initiatives.
• Ensure customer-focused quality standards without compromising safety or efficiency.
• Attend and participate in all required company training.
• Adhere to all company policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Education and Experience

• Prior experience in carpentry, crate/skid building, or woodworking preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with power tools, pneumatic tools, and measuring equipment preferred.
• Forklift certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification through company training.
• Ability to read shop drawings, interpret measurements, and follow structured fabrication instructions.
• Ability to learn equipment operation, material specifications, and quality requirements.

Work Environment

Plant and warehouse environment with exposure to sawdust, loud machinery, and varying temperatures. Requires PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel toe/composite boots. Training provided for tools and forklift operation.

Physical Demands

Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual handling of lumber and tools. Ability to safely handle materials, load/unload pallets, and operate forklifts in tight spaces. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds with assistance.

Job Level - Competency Matrix

Level 1 - Beginner

Level 2 - Intermediate

Level 3 - Advanced

Basic measuring, cutting, simple assembly; supervised tool use; basic material handling.

Builds standard crates independently; performs accurate measurements; operates forklift for staging and movement.

Builds complex/oversized crates; advanced troubleshooting; leads forklift/material handling workflow.

Operates saws and pneumatic tools

Sets up saws, knotchers, pneumatic tools; basic troubleshooting.

Advanced equipment…