Press/Forge Operator - SWING SHIFT

NWI Defense; Albany (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

NWI Defense is seeking a Press/Forge Operator for swing shift in Albany, Oregon. You will set up and operate presses and forging machines to produce hot or cold forgings, ensuring parts meet tolerances and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with forging processes, strong math skills, and a proactive attitude toward safety, tooling maintenance, and teamwork on the production floor.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel/Word).
• Dexterity and precise hand movements required for forming parts.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with operating heavy forging machinery.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines for hot or cold forging.
• Read work orders or blueprints to determine tolerances and sequences.
• Verify finished parts meet print specifications with inspection tools.
• Maintain tooling and update records of temperatures and part dimensions.

Skills

Computer skills

Dexterity

Mechanical skills

Team orientation

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

A new career is waiting for you
at NWI Defense!

Why NWI Defense?

At NWI Defense, we are pioneers in the forging and machining of rare metals. Our team is made up of some of the most talented professionals in the industry, and we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and creative environment. Our streamlined approach promotes a culture of unmatched innovation, making us a leader in the field.

Career Opportunities at NWI Defense

Explore our career opportunities and take the first step towards joining a team where your skills and talents will be valued and nurtured. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, we offer a range of positions that can help you grow and excel in the industry.

Position:Press/Forge Operator - SWING SHIFT

Location: Albany, OR

Job Id:117

# of Openings:1

POSITION SUMMARY: Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging:

Swing Shift: Mon - Thurs 3:45pm - 2:15am with occasional overtime required (based on customer demand)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES include the following: other duties may be assigned.

• Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging; by flattening, straightening, bending, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal
• Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup. Test and compare finished work pieces to specifications. Document production numbers.
• Confer with the Quality Department to ensure finished work pieces meet the print specifications.
• Trim finished forgings to specified tolerances.
• Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
• Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, spacers, guide rings, punches and specified dies to rams and bolsters plates.
• Install, adjust, and remove dies, using hydraulic power arms, forklifts or other hoisting devices. Use hand tools to secure tooling.
• Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
• Ensure presses and tooling is set up for the oncoming shift.
• Use PLC controlled touch screen to start, stop the press drive motor and lube system as well as adjust slide height to achieve proper shunt height to ensure proper tooling depth in part when strike occurs.
• Use strong communication skills when working with Tong Operator to synchronize parts in and out of the ovens.
• Use in-house lubricant to lube tooling between hits.
• Maintain tooling, and replace parts as needed to ensure tooling life and proper finished work pieces.
• Use chart recorders to monitor and record furnace temperatures.
• Use calipers, outside micrometer, and dial indicator to perform in-process quality inspections to ensure print specifications are being followed.
• Continuously monitor and physically inspect production equipment. Notify maintenance if issues are noticed.
• Dismantle and reassemble product setups (tooling) as needed to follow forging scheduling.
• Provide back-up support to Tong Operators as needed.
• Document job process, press set up, furnace temps, part serial numbers, part dimensions.
• Sandblast finished parts as needed.
• Uphold Good Manufacturing Practices, Housekeeping and Safety Practices.

Accountabilities of All Employees

• Using your best efforts and full capability daily to the work assigned to you by your manager
• Advising your manager if you do not understand the work they have assigned to you, or if the assignment does not fit with your knowledge of the circumstances, current skills or available time and resources.
• Advising your manager of any situations or obstacles that could keep you from accomplishing the work assigned to you.
• Advising your manager of any situations or opportunities that could help you complete or improve the work assigned to you.
• Demonstrating work behaviors consistent with the company values and work within prescribed boundaries, including company policies, standards, procedures and any legislative requirements – Core Competencies of SuccessFactors.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains safe operations by keeping work area clean and organized and by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintains equipment by completing basic preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; initiating repair work orders.
• Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
• Documents actions by completing required paperwork etc.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications, etc.
• Participate in required meetings & training
• Able to cross train into other departments as needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• 1 or more years’ experience with forging-press operations preferred (or similar experience with machine operations)
• Solid math background - including courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics - preferred

Other Qualities

• Computer skills – Position requires employee be proficient in MS Programs – Excel and Word.
• Dexterity. Precise hand movements are necessary in order to produce work pieces that meet exact specifications. Must have good manual dexterity in order to make the necessary shapes, cuts, and edges that designs require.
• Mechanical skills. Must be comfortable working with machines and have a good understanding of how the machines and all their parts work.
• Physical strengths – Include flexibility and ability to work in crowed and tight spaces; body agility (climbing, kneeling, reaching); ability to walk and stand for extended periods (2-3 hours) on plant production floor; ability to move and guide and load heavy and bulky parts and materials into machines up to 70 pounds; manual dexterity to manipulate small objects;
• Must be team oriented, self-motivated and results oriented.
• Must have excellent attendance, dependability and maturity.
• Must be safety conscious and able work safely either alone or in a team environment.
• Must be willing to work any shift.
• Must be able to work daily overtime, after-hours call-in and weekend work as required to minimize downtime during adverse conditions and other emergencies

NWI Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.