Punch Press Set-Up I - Weekend Shift

Cadrex; Chippewa Falls (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Education support

Remote stipend

Referral bonuses

Bonus plan

Job summary

Cadrex in Wisconsin seeks a Punch Press Set-Up I to assist with setup and basic operation of punch press machines used in metal fabrication. You will load materials, select tooling, and help ensure parts meet specifications in a safety‑minded shop.

This entry‑level role emphasizes mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and teamwork. You will follow setup sheets, log machine settings, assist with routine cleaning and minor maintenance, and communicate with operators to keep production flowing.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing or machine operations preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and basic drawings.
• Familiarity with hand tools and measuring devices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setting up punch press machines for daily production runs, including loading raw materials and selecting correct tooling.
• Help install dies and punches under the guidance of senior technicians, ensuring correct alignment and secure fastening.
• Operate punch press machinery under supervision to produce metal parts according to specifications.
• Perform basic inspections of finished parts using calipers and gauges to ensure quality standards.
• Adhere to safety guidelines, wear PPE, and maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow setup sheets and work orders; assist with logging production data and machine settings.
• Support routine cleaning and minor maintenance tasks to ensure optimal machine performance.
• Communicate effectively with operators, supervisors, and maintenance staff to ensure smooth production flow.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Reading drawings

Hand tools

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Calipers

Gauges

Job description

Description

OVERVIEW

Cadrex is searching for a Punch Press Set-Up I who will be responsible for assisting with the setup and basic operation of punch press machines used in metal fabrication processes. This role supports production by ensuring machines are loaded with the appropriate materials and set up to meet job specifications. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and committed to producing quality components in a safe and efficient manner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with setting up punch press machines for daily production runs, including loading raw materials and selecting correct tooling
• Help install dies and punches under the guidance of senior technicians, ensuring correct alignment and secure fastening
• Operate punch press machinery under supervision to produce metal parts according to specifications
• Perform basic inspections of finished parts using measuring tools (calipers, gauges) to ensure they meet quality standards
• Adhere to safety guidelines, wear proper PPE, and maintain a clean and organized work area
• Follow setup sheets and work orders; assist with logging production data and machine settings
• Support routine cleaning and minor maintenance tasks to ensure optimal machine performance
• Communicate effectively with operators, supervisors, and maintenance staff to ensure smooth production flow

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing or machine operations preferred
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve machine issues
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and basic technical drawings
• Familiarity with hand tools and measuring devices preferred

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma

LOCATION

• Onsite

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

CADREX’S CORE VALUES

• Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

SCHEDULE

• Friday-Sunday; 5:45am-6:15pm

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com.

Cadrex 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.