Punch Press Setup Technician

Socket.dev; Newton Grove (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hog Slat Inc. in Newton Grove, NC, is seeking a Punch Press Setup Technician to install, align, and maintain punch press dies and tooling with hands-on precision. You will read blueprints, verify tolerances, and ensure tooling stays sharp and safe for high‑quality production.

The role requires mechanical aptitude and strict adherence to safety standards. As part of a steel fabrication plant, you’ll operate surface grinders, perform preventive maintenance, and interpret technical drawings to meet

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.

Responsibilities

• Die Setup — Install, align, and secure dies in punch presses per job specs.
• Die Disassembly — Safely remove dies for maintenance or tooling changes.
• Sharpening Operations — Sharpen punches, dies, and tools.
• Surface Grinding — Use surface grinders for precise finish on tooling components.
• Tolerance Interpretation — Read blueprints and tolerances to meet specs.
• Press Operation Knowledge — Apply knowledge of press mechanics, safety, and tonnage/settings.
• Quality Verification — Inspect finished parts with calipers, micrometers, etc.
• Preventive Maintenance — Routine checks to prevent downtime.
• Safety Compliance — Follow lockout/tagout and safety protocols.

Skills

Punch press setup

Tooling maintenance

Surface grinding

Reading blueprints

Tolerance interpretation

Safety systems

Measurement tools

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Formal machining training

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

Punch Press Setup Technician

JOB SUMMARY:

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:

• 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
• Background in metal fabrication or tool & die work
• Formal training in machining, toolmaking, or industrial maintenance

Hog Slat Inc. is an 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.