Press Operator / Setup – Newaygo Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Michigan; On-site; USD 41,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers in Newaygo, MI is seeking experienced Press Operator / Setup professionals to join our network of manufacturing talent. This on-site role offers opportunities to work with multiple local manufacturers seeking skilled press operators and setup specialists.

Salary ranges from $41,000 to $66,000 depending on experience, with responsibilities including setup, inspection, die/tooling alignment, and process optimization.

Qualifications

• Experience as press operator or setup in manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and setup instructions.
• Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to safety procedures and lockout tagout practices.
• Experience with stamping, forming, or deep draw presses (bonus).

Responsibilities

• Perform first piece and in-process checks using calipers and gauges.
• Troubleshoot press faults and make minor repairs to keep production running.
• Complete setup sheets, production logs, and maintenance records.
• Set up presses according to job specifications and production schedules.
• Install and align dies, tooling, and fixtures on the press.
• Adjust press settings such as stroke, speed, and pressure for each run.
• Load material and monitor the feed during the production run.
• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy and visual defects.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read blueprints

Calipers, gauges

Safety procedures

Stand for long periods, lift to 50 lbs

Education

Machine trades training or apprenticeship

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

Job Description:

Press Operator / Setup | Newaygo, MI

Salary Range: $41,000 - $66,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for excelling as a press operator / setup? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We collaborate with leading companies in the Newaygo area seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. 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.

This posting covers Press Operator / Setup opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Newaygo in Newaygo County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Big Rapids, Paris, Casnovia, and Grant.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with multiple companies in the Newaygo area seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups. These organizations value long-term fit and look for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Perform first piece and in process checks using calipers and gauges.
• Troubleshoot press faults and make minor repairs to keep production running.
• Complete setup sheets, production logs, and maintenance records.
• Set up presses according to job specifications and production schedules.
• Install and align dies, tooling, and fixtures on the press.
• Adjust press settings such as stroke, speed, and pressure for each run.
• Load material and monitor the feed throughout the production run.
• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy and visual defects.

Recommended Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude for adjusting tooling and diagnosing press issues.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to safety procedures and lockout tagout practices.
• Prior press operation or setup experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to read blueprints, job orders, and setup instructions.
• Comfort using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with stamping, forming, or deep draw presses.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and 5S practices.
• Formal training in machine trades or a related apprenticeship.
• Experience with CNC controlled press equipment.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Punch Press Operator, Forming Machine Operator, Production Operator, Tool and Die Technician, Fabrication Operator, Press Operator, Press Setup Technician, Stamping Press Operator, Machine Operator, Die Setter

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

Required Skills:

• Resume
• Data
• Offers
• Diagrams
• Work
• Orders
• Support
• BASIC
• Product
• Quality
• Print
• Adjustments
• Checks
• Salary
• Computer
• Skills
• Hiring
• Partnerships
• Recruiting
• Compensation
• Instructions
• Quality
• Control
• Manufacturing
• Specifications
• Data
• Entry
• Records
• Troubleshooting
• Preparation
• Documentation
• Maintenance

Salary Package:

$ 41,000.00 - 66,000.00 (US Dollar)