Press Operator / Setup - East Lansing Area

the-pivot-group-careers; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is partnering with East Lansing employers to hire Press Operator / Setups. This role focuses on setting up printing presses, adjusting for quality, and maintaining production efficiency.

Candidates should have 3+ years in press operation, blueprints reading, and the ability to perform routine maintenance. Safety is prioritized, including Lockout/Tagout protocols.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience operating and setting up manufacturing presses.
• Proficient in reading blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality checks using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and minor maintenance of press equipment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials, and stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate printing presses per job specs.
• Monitor operations and adjust for print quality and efficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of presses.
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and defects.
• Load/unload materials and consumables.
• Conduct quality checks to ensure standards and customer requirements.
• Maintain production records and documentation.
• Follow safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout.

Skills

Press operation

Blueprint reading

Quality checks

Maintenance troubleshooting

Lifting/standing

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Press Operator / Setup | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $47,000 - $72,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for excelling in press operator / setup? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in East Lansing that are adding Press Operator / Setups to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate various printing presses according to job specifications.
• Monitor press operations, making necessary adjustments to ensure print quality and production efficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of presses and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve minor mechanical issues and printing defects.
• Load and unload materials from presses, including paper, ink, and other consumables.
• Conduct quality checks on printed materials to ensure adherence to standards and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate production records and complete required documentation.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines, including Lockout/Tagout protocols.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3+ years experience operating and setting up manufacturing presses (e.g., stamping, hydraulic, pneumatic).
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality checks using precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and minor maintenance of press equipment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials, and stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with color matching and quality control tools (e.g., densitometers, spectrophotometers)
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance procedures for printing equipment
• Ability to interpret and work from technical drawings or blueprints
• Prior experience operating forklifts or other material handling equipment
• Basic computer skills for data entry and machine interface operation

Job Titles That Should Apply

Press Operator, Printing Press Operator, Flexo Press Operator, Lithographic Press Operator, Digital Press Operator, Setup Technician, Machine Setup Operator, Print Production Operator, Pressman, Printer, Print Operator

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.