Press Setup Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Press Setup Operator Job Description

The Press Setup Operator sets up compound and progressive tooling and maintains a strong working knowledge of all machinery in the pressroom. This role interprets customer drawings, selects appropriate materials for each job, organizes and maintains tooling and setup equipment, and ensures accurate and safe operation of presses under the guidance of the Production Supervisor or Production Manager.

Responsibilities

• Receive job assignments and select the appropriate material, tooling, and documentation for each job.
• Set up all types of dies, including stamping dies, draw dies, and progressive dies, to meet production requirements.
• Perform setup of presses and tooling for stamped metal components, ensuring proper alignment and operation.
• Set up related processes and equipment, including shields, feeds, air cushions, stock reels, scrap cutters, lubricants, and other associated devices.
• Interpret customer drawings and specifications to ensure parts meet required standards and dimensions.
• Use a variety of measurement instruments to verify part dimensions and quality during setup and first-piece inspection.
• Perform first-piece inspections and assist with quality control as needed to ensure products meet specifications.
• Input all required router and production data into the computer system to maintain accurate production records.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time, ensuring traceability and compliance.
• Instruct press operators on the proper use of safety devices, setup parameters, and standard operating procedures.
• Direct press operators on what jobs to run and provide guidance during changeovers and setups.
• Operate with minimal guidance, troubleshooting setup issues and making necessary adjustments to improve performance.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all related records, including setup sheets and production logs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and obstruction-free work area to support safe and efficient operations.
• Adhere to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 standards in daily work practices and documentation.
• Identify and implement improvements and innovations beyond the immediate scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain important job-related data using computer systems and basic computer knowledge.
• Observe all safety regulations and consistently use appropriate safety equipment and protective devices.
• Assist employees with work-related inquiries and support a collaborative pressroom environment.
• Perform other related responsibilities as necessary to support production and team goals.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience setting up stamping dies, draw dies, and progressive dies in a pressroom environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with sheet metal and stamping operations.
• Proficiency in setting up presses and associated equipment such as feeds, shields, air cushions, stock reels, scrap cutters, and lubrication systems.
• Ability to interpret and understand customer drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience using measurement instruments and measuring tools to verify part dimensions and quality.
• Ability to use hand tools safely and effectively for setup and adjustment tasks.
• Basic computer skills to input router and production data and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work with minimal guidance, troubleshoot setup issues, and make sound decisions.
• Capability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 60 lbs as required by the role.
• Strong awareness of safety regulations and proper use of safety equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with sheet metal manufacturing and stamped metal component production.
• Experience working in a pressroom environment with progressive die operations.
• Understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 standards and their application in daily work.
• Ability to instruct and guide operators on safe operation and proper use of safety devices.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain tooling, setup equipment, and work areas in an orderly condition.
• Willingness to contribute ideas and innovations beyond assigned responsibilities.

Why Work Here?

This is an opportunity to join a family-owned organization that is committed to growth and long-term stability. You will work in an environment where your skills and initiative are valued, and where there is clear opportunity for professional development and advancement as the company continues to expand. The culture emphasizes teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement, offering you a place to build a lasting career while contributing to a growing operation.

Work Environment

The role is based in a metal manufacturing environment that is climate controlled to support comfort and consistency in production. You will work around presses, dies, and related equipment in a structured, safety-focused setting. The position requires regular sitting, standing, bending, and lifting up to 60 lbs, as well as frequent use of hand tools and measuring instruments. The facility emphasizes cleanliness and organization, with a strong focus on maintaining a safe, efficient, and orderly pressroom.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Springfield, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Springfield,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

\nCompany Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.