CNC Press Operator

Aerotek; Virginia; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a CNC Press Operator for our Virginia manufacturing environment. The role focuses on setting up metalworking presses, performing die changeovers, and maintaining tight tolerances to produce high-quality parts.

You will read blueprints, follow procedures, and troubleshoot mechanical issues while performing preventive maintenance. This position requires safe operation of hoists and adherence to safety standards in a busy plant.

Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating metalworking presses in a production environment.
• Proficiency performing die changeovers, including complete and advanced die changes and plate changes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals, router information, and procedure books to set up tooling and machines accurately.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical issues related to presses and tooling.
• Demonstrated preventive maintenance experience on production machinery.
• Mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience using calipers, wrenches, drills, and related tools.
• Ability to operate an overhead crane or hoist to load and unload heavy material bundles safely.
• Experienced in mechanics, maintenance, or press operation.
• Capability to hold and monitor tight tolerances and ensure consistent product quality.
• Comfort working with multiple procedures and documentation to ensure correct setup and operation.

Responsibilities

• Set up metalworking presses to produce quality parts consistently and efficiently, following documented procedures and standards.
• Change over dies and operate press equipment, including disassembling and reassembling dies and internal mechanisms as required.
• Use blueprints, manuals, router information, and multiple procedure books to correctly set up tooling and machines for each job.
• Perform complete die tear-downs and changeovers that may take 2-4 hours, ensuring all internal mechanisms are properly adjusted and secured.
• Execute advanced die changes that may require 4-8 hours, then run production for several days to a week while monitoring performance and quality.
• Carry out normal plate changes, typically taking about one hour before production run time, ensuring accurate alignment and setup.
• Hold tight tolerances during operation and continuously observe machinery to verify that presses are running correctly and safely.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance tasks on presses and related equipment to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Use hand and measuring tools such as calipers, wrenches, and drills to perform adjustments, alignments, and maintenance activities.
• Operate an overhead crane or hoist to safely load and unload material, including flipping bundles weighing approximately 200 pounds.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues with presses and associated tooling, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with team members and follow established procedures to ensure efficient changeovers and smooth production transitions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and comply with all safety policies and procedures while operating machinery and handling materials.

Skills

Press setup

Die changes

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Calipers and tools

Overhead crane operation

Mechanical aptitude

Tolerance control

Documentation

Tools

Calipers

Wrenches

Drills

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: CNC Press Operator

The Press Mechanic sets up and operates metalworking presses to consistently and efficiently produce high-quality parts. This role focuses on performing die changeovers, maintaining precise tolerances, and ensuring equipment runs safely and reliably through effective troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Set up metalworking presses to produce quality parts consistently and efficiently, following documented procedures and standards.
• Change over dies and operate press equipment, including disassembling and reassembling dies and internal mechanisms as required.
• Use blueprints, manuals, router information, and multiple procedure books to correctly set up tooling and machines for each job.
• Perform complete die tear-downs and changeovers that may take 2-4 hours, ensuring all internal mechanisms are properly adjusted and secured.
• Execute advanced die changes that may require 4-8 hours, then run production for several days to a week while monitoring performance and quality.
• Carry out normal plate changes, typically taking about one hour before production run time, ensuring accurate alignment and setup.
• Hold tight tolerances during operation and continuously observe machinery to verify that presses are running correctly and safely.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance tasks on presses and related equipment to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Use hand and measuring tools such as calipers, wrenches, and drills to perform adjustments, alignments, and maintenance activities.
• Operate an overhead crane or hoist to safely load and unload material, including flipping bundles weighing approximately 200 pounds.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues with presses and associated tooling, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with team members and follow established procedures to ensure efficient changeovers and smooth production transitions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and comply with all safety policies and procedures while operating machinery and handling materials.

Essential Skills

• Experience setting up and operating metalworking presses in a production environment.
• Proficiency performing die changeovers, including complete and advanced die changes and plate changes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals, router information, and procedure books to set up tooling and machines accurately.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical issues related to presses and tooling.
• Demonstrated preventive maintenance experience on production machinery.
• Mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience using calipers, wrenches, drills, and related tools.
• Ability to operate an overhead crane or hoist to load and unload heavy material bundles safely.
• Experienced in mechanics, maintenance, or press operation.
• Capability to hold and monitor tight tolerances and ensure consistent product quality.
• Comfort working with multiple procedures and documentation to ensure correct setup and operation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a metal fabrication, stamping, or press shop environment.
• Familiarity with climate-controlled manufacturing facilities and modern production practices.
• Ability to follow structured training and development plans and participate in individual development planning.
• Willingness to work across different shifts as needed, in coordination with a multi-shift press team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with team members and supervisors during changeovers and production runs.

Why Work Here?

Join a growing organization that invests in its people and facilities, offering a modern, employee-focused environment and clear pathways for development and advancement. You will benefit from strong employee retention, a supportive and tenured team, and robust benefits for you and your family. The company is expanding, adding new facilities and equipment, and provides structured training and development plans to support your short- and long-term career goals. Regular step-based pay progression and a focus on succession planning create a transparent and motivating environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded.

Work Environment

Work in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing facility equipped with modern presses and expanding capacity. The shop currently employs hundreds of team members and is growing signific