Punch Press Setup Technician

Hog Slat; Newton Grove (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hog Slat Inc. in Newton Grove, NC is seeking a Punch Press Setup Technician to join our steel fabrication plant. The role centers on setting up, maintaining, and optimizing punch press tooling to ensure safe, precise, and efficient production.

You will read blueprints, install dies, sharpen tooling, and perform preventive maintenance while upholding strict safety standards and quality checks throughout the process.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience setting up punch press dies and tooling.
• Proficiency in disassembling, sharpening, and maintaining die components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and tolerances.
• Experience with surface grinders and precision measurement tools.
• Commitment to safety and quality in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Die Setup — install, align, and secure dies in punch presses per specs.
• Die Disassembly — safely remove dies for maintenance or changes.
• Sharpening Operations — sharpen punches, dies, and tooling.
• Surface Grinding — operate grinders for precision surfaces.
• Tolerance Interpretation — read blueprints and tolerances.
• Press Operation Knowledge — apply press mechanics and safety basics.
• Quality Verification — inspect parts with calipers, micrometers, etc.
• Preventive Maintenance — perform routine checks on tooling.
• Safety Compliance — follow lockout/tagout and safety standards.

Skills

Punch press setup

Tooling maintenance

Surface grinding

Reading blueprints

Precision measurement

Safety compliance

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Education

Machining training

Tools

Surface grinder

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Dial indicators

Job description

Hog Slat, Incorporated, the world's leading provider of parts, equipment and turn-key construction to the swine & poultry industries is seeking a Punch Press Setup Technician to join the team at our Newton Grove, NC steel fabrication plant.

The Punch Press Setup Technician is responsible for setting up, maintaining, and optimizing punch press tooling and equipment to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient production. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, precision, and hands‑on experience with dies, grinders, and press operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other functions may be assigned as business conditions change.

• Die Setup — Install, align, and secure dies in punch presses according to job specifications, ensuring proper fit, clearance, and operational readiness.
• Die Disassembly — Remove dies safely and efficiently for maintenance, inspection, or tooling changes.
• Sharpening Operations — Sharpen punches, dies, and related tooling using appropriate equipment to maintain edge quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Surface Grinding — Operate surface grinders to achieve precise flatness, parallelism, and finish on tooling components.
• Tolerance Interpretation — Read and interpret blueprints, dimensional tolerances, and technical drawings to ensure parts meet required specifications.
• Press Operation Knowledge — Apply working knowledge of punch press mechanics, safety systems, stroke settings, tonnage requirements, and feed systems.
• Quality Verification — Inspect finished parts using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other precision tools.
• Preventive Maintenance — Perform routine checks on tooling and press equipment to prevent downtime and extend tool life.
• Safety Compliance — Follow all safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and company standards to maintain a safe working environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hands‑on experience setting up punch press dies and tooling
• Proficiency in disassembling, sharpening, and maintaining punch press components
• Ability to operate a surface grinder with precision
• Strong understanding of manufacturing tolerances and measurement tools
• Working knowledge of punch press operation, mechanics, and safety
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
• Mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, and safe work practices

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with progressive dies or high‑volume stamping
• Familiarity with CNC or automated feed systems
• Formal training in machining, toolmaking, or industrial maintenance

Hog Slat Inc. is a

n Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age disability, veteran status or any other reason prohibited under Federal State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job-related requirements.