1st Shift Automatic Press Operator

Challenge Manufacturing; Richmond (KY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Richmond, KY is seeking a 2nd shift Press Operator to monitor up to 1,000 ton automatic presses and ensure quality stampings meet standards. You will reference Plex orders, load coils, perform inspections, and maintain a safe work area. This role supports daily production targets and cross-training across centers.

You will join a team that values safety, ownership, and teamwork while contributing to efficient plant operations and product quality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 1 year of manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English to perform duties.
• Willingness to work up to 12 hours per day, including weekends.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to read and interpret job element sheets.

Responsibilities

• Meet daily/weekly production requirements.
• Refer to Plex for JES and stamp products accordingly.
• Load correct coils into stamping presses for quality stampings.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work area and document inspections.
• Cross-train on various work centers as needed.

Skills

English proficiency

PC skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Gages (go/no-go)

Job description

Who We Are:

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee‑owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee‑owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee‑owners share in Challenge’s success!

#QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want

Has primary responsibility for monitoring up to 1,000 Ton Automatic presses ensuring quality stampings are produced per the Challenge Manufacturing Quality Standards, production orders and engineering specifications. Performs necessary quality checks, records information in PLEX (Enterprise Resource Planning system -ERP) and performs general utility work to meet work schedule.

What You’ll Do

• Performs all duties to ensure department and plant meet daily and weekly production requirements.
• References production orders in Plex to stamp product per Job Element Sheet (JES).
• Select and load correct coils in stamping press in order to produce a quality stamping.
• Frequently lifts/moves, pulls/pushes, and/or positions products and materials weighing up to xx pounds, occasionally weighing more (assistance given with heavier objects by work partner[s]), throughout assigned work center. Press operations involve frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, turning, and lifting.
• May select proper rack or bin to pack parts and/or store parts for next process.
• Properly packs parts in correct pin/storage container per packaging instructions to meet customer requirements. Ensures proper labeling requirements are followed. Uses personal computer (PC), Plex system, keyboard, and mouse.
• Completes on-line work center and operator inspection sheets to verify process are stable and all visual inspection and gage requirements are being met.
• Visually inspects parts from stamping press per Challenge Manufacturing quality standards to ensure proper form, fit, and function. Ensures customer and Challenge Manufacturing quality standards are met per gage instructions, first piece inspection approval, problem containment processes, quality alerts and other quality standards called out in the Challenge Manufacturing Quality Policy and/or Plex System specific for each work center.
• Ensures and maintains safety and cleanliness of work area by performing housekeeping duties.
• Performs and cross trains on various work centers as required.
• Completes appropriate paperwork and other documentation (hourly count boards).
• Meets daily production requirements.

When And Where

This will be a 2nd Shift / 2:30PM - 11:00PM M-F position located at our Plant in Richmond, KY.

What You Need To Have

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• One year of manufacturing experience
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications.
• Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
• Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.
• Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
• Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
• Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.
• Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.
• Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.
• Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely. Must be able to understand and follow written and verbal workplace instructions
• Must be able to work up to 12 hours per day including Saturday and Sunday
• Ability to read and interpret job element sheets
• Ability to use a variety of gages (functional, go/no go) required
• PC and keyboard/mouse skills required
• Ability to frequently lift/move material weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work as a contributing member within team environment