Punch Press Set Up

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 6AM - 4:30PM
Pay Range: $24.00 - $28.00/hr

About the Role

As a Punch Press Setup Operator, you will play a key role in our precision stamping operations. You'll be responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining punch press machines to produce high-quality metal stampings. This position directly impacts product quality, throughput, and cost control.

We specialize in thin metal stamping and precision parts, supporting industries such as aerospace, telecommunications, medical, and electronics. Our punch presses range from 5 to 100 tons, and we also perform secondary operations like EDM, drilling, countersinking, reaming, and detailed machining as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job orders, blueprints, and work instructions to determine required press setup (tooling, dies, blanks, fixtures)
• Install and secure tooling, dies, punches, and associated equipment on the press
• Perform logic checks, trial runs, and adjustments (strip layout, feed, alignment, clearances) to ensure the press produces parts within tolerances
• Monitor press performance (speed, stroke, load, scrap rate) during production runs
• Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs to tooling, fixtures, and press components to keep them in good working condition
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues such as misfeeds, tool wear, burrs, jams, or defects
• Collaborate with quality/inspection team to verify first articles, perform in-process inspection, and maintain SPC or other statistical process control records
• Maintain accurate setup logs, tool change records, time studies, and production reports
• Ensure all safety, housekeeping, and lockout/tagout procedures are followed
• Work with engineering or tool room staff to suggest and implement tooling improvements, cost reductions, or set up efficiency improvements

Qualifications & Skills

• Prior experience setting up and running punch presses (preferably in thin metal stamping or precision stamping)
• Ability to work with press tonnages in the 5 to 100 ton range
• Mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting ability
• Ability to interpret mechanical prints, GD&T, schematics, and tooling drawings
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), first article inspection, and quality systems
• Basic measuring skills (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, gage blocks)
• Strong attention to detail, process discipline, and commitment to quality
• Good communication skills and ability to work on a team
• Ability to lift and handle tooling, parts, and die components (up to a safe working limit)
• Willingness to work 4 X 10 hour days per schedule

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