CNC Press Operator

Job Title: CNC Press Operator

Job Description

The Press Mechanic sets up and operates metalworking presses to consistently and efficiently produce high-quality parts. This role focuses on performing die changeovers, maintaining precise tolerances, and ensuring equipment runs safely and reliably through effective troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Set up metalworking presses to produce quality parts consistently and efficiently, following documented procedures and standards.
• Change over dies and operate press equipment, including disassembling and reassembling dies and internal mechanisms as required.
• Use blueprints, manuals, router information, and multiple procedure books to correctly set up tooling and machines for each job.
• Perform complete die tear-downs and changeovers that may take 2–4 hours, ensuring all internal mechanisms are properly adjusted and secured.
• Execute advanced die changes that may require 4–8 hours, then run production for several days to a week while monitoring performance and quality.
• Carry out normal plate changes, typically taking about one hour before production run time, ensuring accurate alignment and setup.
• Hold tight tolerances during operation and continuously observe machinery to verify that presses are running correctly and safely.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance tasks on presses and related equipment to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Use hand and measuring tools such as calipers, wrenches, and drills to perform adjustments, alignments, and maintenance activities.
• Operate an overhead crane or hoist to safely load and unload material, including flipping bundles weighing approximately 200 pounds.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues with presses and associated tooling, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with team members and follow established procedures to ensure efficient changeovers and smooth production transitions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and comply with all safety policies and procedures while operating machinery and handling materials.

Essential Skills

• Experience setting up and operating metalworking presses in a production environment.
• Proficiency performing die changeovers, including complete and advanced die changes and plate changes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals, router information, and procedure books to set up tooling and machines accurately.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical issues related to presses and tooling.
• Demonstrated preventive maintenance experience on production machinery.
• Mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience using calipers, wrenches, drills, and related tools.
• Ability to operate an overhead crane or hoist to load and unload heavy material bundles safely.
• Experienced in mechanics, maintenance, or press operation.
• Capability to hold and monitor tight tolerances and ensure consistent product quality.
• Comfort working with multiple procedures and documentation to ensure correct setup and operation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a metal fabrication, stamping, or press shop environment.
• Familiarity with climate-controlled manufacturing facilities and modern production practices.
• Ability to follow structured training and development plans and participate in individual development planning.
• Willingness to work across different shifts as needed, in coordination with a multi-shift press team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with team members and supervisors during changeovers and production runs.

Why Work Here?

Join a growing organization that invests in its people and facilities, offering a modern, employee-focused environment and clear pathways for development and advancement. You will benefit from strong employee retention, a supportive and tenured team, and robust benefits for you and your family. The company is expanding, adding new facilities and equipment, and provides structured training and development plans to support your short- and long-term career goals. Regular step-based pay progression and a focus on succession planning create a transparent and motivating environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded.

Work Environment

Work in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing facility equipped with modern presses and expanding capacity. The shop currently employs hundreds of team members and is growing significantly, including the addition of a new facility and an additional press. The environment includes multiple shifts with established press headcounts on first, second, and third shift, providing opportunities to work within a structured, multi-shift operation. Employees have access to contemporary amenities such as an onsite gym and a modern breakroom with recreational options like a ping pong table. The facility emphasizes safety, organization, and consistent processes, with overhead cranes and hoists used to move and flip heavy material bundles. Dress and personal protective equipment align with a professional manufacturing setting, supporting safe and efficient operation of machinery.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in North Chesterfield,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 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.