AMADA Press Operator

Aerotek; Totowa (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Turret Punch Press Operator to set up and operate CNC turret punch presses and CNC laser equipment in a Totowa, NJ fabrication facility. This contract-to-hire role focuses on accuracy, efficiency, and safety on a production floor with multiple fabrication technologies.

You will read blueprints, perform first-piece and in-process inspections, and collaborate with welding and fabrication teams to meet customer specifications.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC turret punch presses or CNC laser equipment.
• Ability to perform machine setups, loading programs, and adjusting tooling.
• Ability to change punches and tooling to meet job requirements.
• Read blueprints and interpret tolerances for sheet metal parts.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections to ensure quality.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication environments.
• Read and interpret geometric tolerances on drawings.
• Work safely in an industrial manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC turret punch presses and CNC laser equipment.
• Change punches and tooling as required to meet specific job and part requirements.
• Perform machine setups to ensure optimal operation and throughput.
• Produce parts to specification by following work instructions and drawings.
• Perform first-piece inspections to verify initial setups and adjust as needed.
• Conduct in-process inspections to monitor part quality throughout production runs.
• Measure parts using calipers and micrometers to confirm dimensional accuracy.
• Read blueprints to understand part geometry, tolerances, and fabrication requirements.
• Maintain production quality and efficiency by monitoring machine performance and workflow.
• Operate safely at all times in an industrial sheet metal manufacturing environment.
• Work independently with minimal training, taking ownership of assigned machines and production tasks.
• Collaborate with team members in fabrication, welding, and other departments.

Skills

CNC operation

Machine setup

Blueprint interpretation

First-piece inspection

In-process inspection

Sheet metal fabrication

Independent work

Safety compliance

Tools

Amada EM2510NT Turret Punch

Amada Apelio VIPA Turret Punch/Laser

Amada LCG2000 Fiber Laser

Amada Regius Fiber Laser

Automated tower loading systems

Press brake

Job description

Job Title: Turret Punch Press Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC turret punch presses and CNC laser machines to produce precision sheet metal components. You ensure parts meet specifications through accurate setup, tooling changes, and rigorous inspection, while maintaining production quality, efficiency, and safety in a sheet metal manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC turret punch presses and CNC laser equipment in a sheet metal fabrication environment.
• Change punches and tooling as required to meet specific job and part requirements.
• Perform machine setups to ensure optimal operation, accuracy, and throughput.
• Produce parts to specification by following work instructions and engineering drawings.
• Perform first-piece inspections to verify initial setups and adjust as needed.
• Conduct in-process inspections to monitor part quality throughout production runs.
• Measure parts using precision tools such as calipers and micrometers to confirm dimensional accuracy.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand part geometry, tolerances, and fabrication requirements.
• Maintain production quality and efficiency by monitoring machine performance and workflow.
• Operate safely at all times in an industrial sheet metal manufacturing environment, following established safety procedures.
• Work independently with minimal training, taking ownership of assigned machines and production tasks.
• Collaborate with team members in fabrication, welding, and other departments to support overall production needs.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience operating CNC turret punch presses and/or CNC laser equipment.
• Ability to perform machine setups, including loading programs, adjusting settings, and aligning tooling.
• Proficiency in changing punches and tooling on CNC turret punch presses.
• Skill in measuring parts using precision inspection tools such as calipers and micrometers.
• Capability to perform first-piece and in-process inspections to maintain consistent part quality.
• Experience working in sheet metal fabrication environments.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for sheet metal components.
• Comfort working independently with minimal training in a production setting.
• Understanding of safe work practices in an industrial and sheet metal manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with welding processes, including MIG welding, in a fabrication setting.
• Experience in fixture design for sheet metal fabrication.
• Preferred experience with Amada EM2510NT Turret Punch equipment.
• Preferred experience with Amada Apelio VIPA Turret Punch/Laser combination machines.
• Preferred experience with Amada LCG2000 Fiber Laser systems.
• Preferred experience with Amada Regius Fiber Laser equipment.
• Experience working with automated tower loading systems.
• Exposure to press brake operations and general sheet metal forming.
• Familiarity with powder coating, assembly, and related fabrication processes is beneficial.

Why Work Here?

You join a fabrication organization with over a century of sheet metal experience, offering deep expertise and stability in the industry. The facility specializes in precision sheet metal manufacturing and provides exposure to advanced technologies, including CNC punching, laser cutting, welding, powder coating, assembly, and engineering services. Team members work with state-of-the-art equipment in a full-service fabrication environment, gaining hands-on experience with modern machinery and processes while contributing to high-quality custom products.

Work Environment

This position is based on the production floor in an industrial sheet metal manufacturing facility. Work is performed on 1st shift (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM) and 2nd shift (2:30 PM – 10:30 PM), with operations centered around CNC turret punches, fiber lasers, welding, and other fabrication equipment. The environment involves working around automated tower loading systems and various fabrication technologies, primarily producing mostly custom products in smaller customer order quantities. Employees can expect a busy, hands-on setting where attention to safety, quality, and efficient workflow is essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Totowa, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Totowa,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

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.