Bruck Operator (Afternoons) Job

Bruck Operator (Afternoons) Job

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 35+ 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.