Press Operator

Job Title: Press Operator

Job Description

The Press Operator sets up and operates heavy-duty power presses to bend, form, stretch, and straighten a wide range of metal products, including plates, extrusions, and structural shapes, according to blueprints, layouts, and templates. This role works in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring accurate production, safe machine operation, and adherence to quality standards while supporting continuous production needs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate heavy-duty power presses to bend, form, stretch, and straighten metal products according to blueprints, layouts, and templates.
• Plan the sequence of operations by applying knowledge of materials and press capabilities.
• Assist with the setup and operation of multiple automatic and/or multi-slide presses simultaneously for various stamping products.
• Work from drawings, route sheets, schedules, and written and verbal instructions to complete production tasks.
• Check material for correct size and type, load coils, and adjust uncoilers and material rollers as required.
• Assist with the setup of complicated progressive dies, movable and stationary forming blocks, and adjust press stroke and feed as needed.
• Use micrometers, calipers, scales, tape measures, and fixed gauges to inspect work in process and verify adherence to specifications.
• Perform in-process inspection and quality checks based on blueprints and inspection requirements.
• Move materials as needed using a lift truck, forklift, or crane in a safe and controlled manner.
• Install and verify safety devices on presses and related equipment as required for specific jobs.
• Report faulty equipment, defective material, and unusual conditions to supervision promptly.
• Observe all prescribed safety rules and regulations and maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or directed, which may include working beyond normal shift hours or workweek to meet production needs.
• Climb stairs and ladders as required to access equipment or work areas.
• Lift and carry at least 25 pounds in the normal course of duties.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of manufacturing experience, including experience operating general manufacturing machinery.
• Hands-on experience with press operation in a stamping or metal fabrication environment.
• Ability to set up and operate progressive dies and work with complicated progressive die setups.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, layouts, and route sheets.
• Experience using micrometers, calipers, gauges, scales, tape measures, and other inspection tools.
• Ability to perform accurate in-process inspection and verify parts against specifications.
• Mechanically inclined with strong troubleshooting skills for production and equipment issues.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and meet operational deadlines.
• Experience operating forklifts, lift trucks, or overhead cranes to move materials safely.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to bend, squat, reach above the head, climb stairs and ladders, and regularly lift and carry at least 25 pounds.
• Demonstrated ability to follow safety procedures and use safety devices correctly.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with progressive machine dies and stamping presses in a high-volume production environment.
• Familiarity with multi-slide presses and automatic press operation.
• General mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools in a production setting.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality parts.
• Innovative and adaptable mindset with a willingness to learn and improve processes.
• Dedication to absolute integrity and doing the right thing in all situations.
• Customer-focused approach, understanding how product quality and on-time delivery impact end users.
• Respectful and team-oriented attitude, contributing positively to a collaborative work environment.
• Optimistic and energizing presence on the production floor, helping to maintain a positive culture.

Why Work Here?

You join a large, stable, and forward-thinking industrial organization that offers significant opportunities for long-term growth and career development. The culture emphasizes teamwork, respect, and integrity, with many employees building careers that span decades. The company focuses on innovation and continuous improvement, providing a setting where new ideas are encouraged and where your work contributes directly to keeping critical infrastructure running around the world. You benefit from a supportive, team-oriented environment that values adaptability, customer focus, and a positive, energizing attitude, while offering a clear path to grow your skills and responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

This role is based in a primarily stamping facility that produces fasteners for the steel industry. The environment is a production floor with heavy-duty power presses, progressive dies, multi-slide presses, and related metal stamping equipment. You will use tools such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, tape measures, and various hand tools, and will operate material handling equipment such as forklifts, lift trucks, and cranes. Multiple shifts are available, including second and third shift, with shift differentials offered for off-shifts. The schedule requires openness to weekend work, including some Saturdays and Sundays, with enhanced pay for certain extended schedules. The work involves physical activity such as standing, bending, squatting, reaching overhead, climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting at least 25 pounds. The facility operates with defined safety rules and procedures, and you are expected to maintain a neat, orderly, and safe work area while working around industrial machinery in a fast-paced production setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $33.00/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 Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.

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.