Punch Press Setup Operator

The Punch Press Setup Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and troubleshooting punch press equipment in a metal fabrication environment. This position serves as a technical resource for the Punch Press department and provides day-to-day guidance to operators while maintaining a hands-on role in production. The Punch Press Setup Operator ensures machines are properly set up, tooling and programs are accurate, production requirements are met, and finished parts meet established quality standards. This position works closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to support safe, efficient, and consistent manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC and conventional punch press equipment to produce sheet metal components according to blueprints, work orders, and customer specifications.
• Select, install, and verify appropriate punches, dies, tooling, and fixtures based on material type, thickness, and job requirements.
• Review setup sheets, programs, blueprints, drawings, and work instructions prior to beginning production.
• Verify machine programs, tooling, material specifications, and machine settings to ensure accurate setups.
• Perform machine adjustments and make necessary corrections to ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Complete first-piece inspections and in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Troubleshoot machine, tooling, program, and material issues and make appropriate adjustments to maintain production.
• Provide technical guidance and day-to-day support to Punch Press Operators.
• Assist operators with machine setups, tooling changes, program selection, and production-related questions.
• Train and mentor employees on proper punch press setup, operation, quality standards, safety procedures, and work instructions.
• Coordinate with Production Supervisors to prioritize setups and jobs based on production schedules and customer requirements.
• Communicate equipment, tooling, quality, material, and production concerns to Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering as appropriate.
• Work with Engineering to resolve setup, programming, tooling, and production issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve setup times, machine utilization, material usage, production efficiency, and overall department performance.
• Assist with developing and improving setup procedures, work instructions, and standard operating practices.
• Monitor production quality and help identify the root cause of recurring defects or machine issues.
• Ensure tooling and equipment are properly maintained, organized, and stored.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, setup, and other required documentation.
• Ensure raw materials, work-in-process, and finished parts are properly identified and handled.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Assist supervisors with identifying training needs and evaluating opportunities for employee development.
• Serve as a technical resource while maintaining a hands-on production role.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience setting up and operating punch press equipment in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of CNC punch press setup and operation.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, setup sheets, work orders, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of punch press tooling, dies, material types, gauges, tolerances, and forming requirements.
• Ability to select and install appropriate tooling for various production jobs.
• Ability to verify and adjust machine settings and programs.
• Ability to troubleshoot machine, tooling, material, and programming issues.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Strong understanding of dimensional requirements and quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical direction and support to other employees.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality parts.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and handle sheet metal and finished components.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability and willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures.

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