Punch Press Operator

Job Title: Punch Press Operator

Job Description

The Punch Press Operator sets up and operates punch presses and related equipment in a metal stamping environment to produce washers and metal stampings to precise specifications. This role works with a wide variety of materials, follows blueprints and work instructions, and uses measurement tools and shop math to verify quality and maintain high production efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate punch presses and support equipment to produce metal stampings and washers.

• Perform operations such as blanking, bending, punching, and forming according to blueprints and other instructions.

• Read and interpret blueprints, routing sheets, and work instructions to determine job specifications and production requirements.

• Use measurement tools and shop math to verify that parts conform to specified tolerances and quality standards.

• Operate and assist with setup of related equipment such as drill presses, shears, and press brakes as needed.

• Monitor machine performance, identify basic issues, and support troubleshooting activities to maintain smooth production.

• Inspect parts during and after production to ensure they meet dimensional and quality requirements.

• Maintain production efficiencies of 80% or greater once fully trained.

• Follow all company policies, processes, and procedures, including safety and quality guidelines.

• Handle and move materials and parts, including lifting items up to 50 pounds as required.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and care for assigned tools and equipment.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and team goals.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating punch press machines in a production environment.

• Previous metal stamping machine operating experience.

• Ability to read and understand blueprints, routing sheets, and work instructions.

• Ability to perform basic shop math and use it to verify part dimensions and specifications.

• Understanding of tolerances, including the ability to work with tolerances such as +/- 0.005 inches.

• Basic troubleshooting skills for machine operation and production issues.

• Proficiency with basic computer skills for production or documentation tasks.

• Strong command of the English language, including clear verbal and written communication.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as needed.

• Willingness to possess or purchase required inspection and hand tools upon acceptance of a job offer.

• Ability to follow all policies, processes, and procedures consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience setting up punch press machines in addition to operating them.

• Experience working with progressive dies and related tooling.

• Experience operating press brakes, drill presses, shears, and other fabrication equipment.

• Hands-on fabrication experience in a metalworking or manufacturing environment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.

• Reliability and consistency in meeting production and quality expectations.

• Comfort working with a wide variety of materials and part types.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, long-standing union environment where employees tend to build long careers, reflected by an average production floor tenure of 17 years and many team members having started as temporary workers. You benefit from structured, predictable wage increases through a clear progression plan and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 401(k) with company match, health insurance, life insurance, and an employee assistance program. You receive paid time off that grows with tenure, as well as annual holiday presents and regular appreciation events such as holiday parties and pizza parties. You become part of a family-owned organization that has been unionized for decades, values its workforce, and continues to invest in growth with new machines and production spaces every few years, creating ongoing opportunities for development and advancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr.

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 Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.