Machine Operator
Job Description
This role operates automatic presses in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. You will set up and run presses across multiple categories, perform coil changes and changeovers, handle materials using industrial equipment, and support continuous production by troubleshooting equipment and assisting team members. Training begins on first shift, with ongoing opportunities to expand your technical skills and advance within the organization.
Responsibilities
Independently run automatic presses after successfully completing all requirements for the Automatic Press Operator Trainee position.
Prepare presses and work areas for production by organizing tools, materials, and equipment prior to setup.
Follow detailed setup instructions when setting up presses to ensure accurate and safe operation.
Set up presses across all press categories, including preparing and adjusting straighteners to meet production specifications.
Prepare, load, and adjust feeders to ensure consistent material flow into the press.
Align stock correctly to maintain product quality and prevent equipment damage.
Assist with transfer system setup by adjusting finger positions, installing and homing rails, and setting pitch.
Prepare the next setup by cleaning slugs and bolsters and obtaining required fixtures to minimize downtime.
Prepare dies for installation, including safely installing and removing dies in the press.
Operate automatic presses in accordance with general operator instructions and control plans.
Read, understand, and accurately complete all production paperwork required for each job.
Read, follow, and complete tags to ensure traceability and proper documentation of parts and materials.
Monitor and maintain press fluid levels, including changing lubricants as needed.
Adjust lubricant concentration during setup and troubleshooting to support quality and equipment performance.
Properly dispose of waste oil in accordance with facility procedures and safety guidelines.
Verify proper raw material stock against routers and check sheets before starting production.
Load, remove, start, end, and band steel coils safely and efficiently.
Use systems such as Intranet, Kanban, and EAM to obtain job-related information and order materials as needed.
Safely operate forklifts (hi-los), overhead cranes, and die carts to load and unload steel coils, transport dies, move scrap, and move finished product.
Provide direction to and assist personnel assigned to the press to support team productivity and safety.
Troubleshoot presses using Smart Pac, CNC computers, and controls to ensure quality and maximize production output.
Utilize poka-yoke systems, light curtains, sensor readings, and probing capabilities to maintain safe and error-proof operations.
Perform all tasks associated with production changeovers, ensuring efficient transitions between jobs.
Perform all aspects of coil changing safely, including starting and ending a coil, removing and banding a coil, and calculating remaining coil weight using Kanban or weight change methods.
Use a torch and plasma cutter as needed to support production and maintenance activities.
Learn to modify and adjust existing press control programs to improve process performance and flexibility.
Assist in training Automatic Press Operator (APO) trainees by sharing knowledge and demonstrating proper procedures.
Participate in orientations and required training sessions, typically conducted on first shift during the initial training period.
Work assigned shifts, including 1st shift (6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday) or 3rd shift (8:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m., Monday night through Friday morning), as scheduled.
Essential Skills
Proven ability or strong aptitude to operate automatic presses and other production machinery safely and efficiently.
Mechanical inclination with the ability to understand and work with mechanical systems, tools, and equipment.
Experience or strong aptitude in machine operation, general production, or general labor in a manufacturing setting.
Ability to read and follow setup instructions, routers, control plans, and production paperwork accurately.
Skill in using hand tools and measurement tools such as tape measures and calipers.
Ability to safely operate forklifts (hi-los), overhead cranes, and material handling equipment, or willingness to learn.
Experience with or exposure to automotive, manufacturing, or mechanical environments.
Capability to perform material handling tasks, including loading, unloading, and banding steel coils.
Comfort working with inspection tasks to ensure product quality and adherence to specifications.
Basic familiarity with or ability to learn systems such as Intranet, Kanban, and EAM to access information and manage materials.
Willingness and ability to work 1st or 3rd shift schedules as required.
Ability to work safely in a hot, darker, and dirtier automotive manufacturing environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to following safety procedures and lockout/tagout practices as applicable.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience or experience in plastic injection molding.
Experience in automotive repair, working with cars, or related mechanical work.
Previous experience in automotive manufacturing or similar industrial settings.
Comfort using torches and plasma cutters, or willingness to be trained in their safe operation.
Familiarity with CNC computers, Smart Pac systems, and press controls.
Experience with poka-yoke systems, light curtains, sensors, and probing systems in a production environment.
Ability to assist with training new operators or trainees by demonstrating proper techniques and procedures.
Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting press issues and improving production efficiency.
Ability to adapt to changing production demands, including frequent changeovers and coil changes.
Why Work Here?
The organization offers a strong total rewards package and clear paths for growth. You can benefit from a generous 13% 401(k) match that supports long-term financial security, along with employer-paid life insurance for added peace of mind. The culture encourages continuous improvement and advancement, providing room to grow your skills and move into more advanced roles over time. Schedules avoid Sunday work, supporting work-life balance, and bi-weekly pay provides consistent and predictable earnings.
Work Environment
This role is based in an automotive manufacturing facility that operates high-volume automatic presses and related equipment. The environment is described as dark, hot, and dirtier than an office setting, with typical conditions for heavy industrial production. You will work around presses, steel coils, dies, overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material handling equipment. The facility uses technologies such as Smart Pac, CNC computers, poka-yoke systems, light curtains, sensors, and probing systems, as well as Intranet, Kanban, and EAM systems for production and materials management. Work is performed on structured shifts, with first shift running from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and third shift running from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Monday night through Friday morning. All new hires train on first shift during their first week, and orientations typically occur on Mondays and Wednesdays. The role requires appropriate industrial attire suitable for a hot, automotive manufacturing environment, including the use of required personal protective equipment as specified by site safety policies.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/hr.
Eligibility require
