Press Set-up Production Worker – Waterloo

Grand River Personnel Limited; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand River Personnel is seeking an experienced Set-Up Press Labourer for a full-time, ongoing opportunity in Waterloo. This hands-on role focuses on press set-ups, tooling and mould changeovers, production quality, and maintaining clean, production-ready equipment.

The ideal candidate has a background in metal fabrication, plastics press operation, injection moulding, or machine set-up and thrives in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience with press, mould, or tooling changeovers.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• CSA-approved safety footwear required.

Responsibilities

• Set up presses, moulds, tooling, and related equipment for upcoming production runs.
• Complete tooling and mould changeovers efficiently to keep production moving.
• Collaborate with Material Handlers to coordinate changeovers and reduce downtime.
• Clean and prepare presses, moulds, tooling, water lines, and surrounding equipment between runs.
• Produce first-off samples and work with Quality Control to obtain production approval.
• Perform in-process quality checks using Vernier calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Read and follow blueprints and production documentation.
• Identify defects, troubleshoot production issues, and maintain product quality.
• Follow safe work practices and keep the workspace clean and organized.

Skills

Press operation

Machinery set-up

Quality inspection

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication

Tools

Vernier calipers

Gauges

Precision measuring tools

Overhead crane

Job description

On behalf of our client, Grand River Personnel is recruiting an experienced Set-Up Press Labourer for a full-time ongoing opportunity in WATERLOO.

This is a hands-on manufacturing role for an experienced machine/press operator — not an entry-level position. We are looking for someone who understands press set-ups, tooling and mould changeovers, production quality, and the importance of keeping equipment clean and production-ready.

If you have a background in metal fabrication, plastics press operation, injection moulding, or machine set-up and enjoy working with your hands in a fast-paced production environment, this could be a great fit.

Pay Rate: $22.70/hr

Shift: Nights: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 pm – 9:00 am , must be able to train on day shift for 2 weeks.

We thank all those who apply; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is not open to students.

Responsibilities:

• Set up presses, moulds, tooling, and related equipment for upcoming production runs
• Complete tooling and mould changeovers efficiently to keep production moving
• Work with Material Handlers to coordinate changeovers and reduce downtime
• Clean and prepare presses, moulds, tooling, water lines, and surrounding equipment between runs
• Apply mould protectant, tag tooling, and return equipment to its proper storage location
• Produce first-off samples and work with Quality Control to obtain production approval
• Perform in-process quality checks using Vernier calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment
• Read and follow blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and production documentation
• Identify defects, troubleshoot production issues, and help maintain consistent product quality
• Follow safe work practices and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and other production-related tasks as required

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant manufacturing experience in metal fabrication, press operation, machine set-up, injection moulding, or a similar environment
• Hands-on experience with press, mould, or tooling changeovers
• Experience preparing and cleaning presses and tooling between production runs
• Strong quality inspection skills, including the use of Vernier calipers, gauges, and precision measuring tools
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
• Good understanding of manufacturing quality standards and defect identification
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and keep production moving in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Overhead crane experience is considered an asset
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety
• CSA-approved safety footwear required

Grand River Personnel is committed to promoting accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities and complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and makes accommodations available for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. When an applicant for employment is chosen to participate in an assessment and/or the selection process, reasonable accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used.