Press Operator / Setup – St. Johns Area

The Pivot Group Careers; St. Johns (MI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers is seeking a skilled Press Operator / Setup for opportunities in St. Johns, MI.

This role supports local manufacturers in setting up presses, loading materials, and maintaining production flow with attention to quality and safety. The ideal candidate will have press operation and setup experience, be proficient with calipers and gauges, read blueprints, and follow setup instructions.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Mechanical aptitude for adjusting tooling and diagnosing press issues.
• Formal training in machine trades or a related apprenticeship (bonus).
• Experience with CNC controlled press equipment or stamping/ forming presses (bonus).

Responsibilities

• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy and visual defects.
• 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.

Skills

Press operation

Setup

Blueprint reading

Calipers & gauges

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

Job Description:

Press Operator / Setup | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $44,000 – $69,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling as a press operator / setup? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the St. Johns area seeking Press Operator / Setups to lead and enhance their operations.

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 St. Johns in Clinton County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Owosso, Ithaca, Ovid, and Ashley.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing firms in the St. Johns area that seek skilled Press Operator / Setups. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and look for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy and visual defects.
• 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.

Recommended Qualifications

• 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.
• Mechanical aptitude for adjusting tooling and diagnosing press issues.

Bonus Qualifications

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

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.

Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.

Required Skills:

Resume Data Offers Unloading Work Orders Access Support BASIC Interfaces Operations Print Raw Materials Adjustments Machinery Load Checks Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Compensation Instructions Storage Quality Control Manufacturing Specifications Data Entry Materials Troubleshooting Preparation Software Maintenance

Salary Package:

$ 44,000.00 – 69,000.00 (US Dollar)