Auto Press Operator

Whirlpool • Cleveland, TN

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Auto Press Operator is a highly skilled technical role responsible for the safe and efficient operation, setup, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of automatic power presses and related metal fabrication equipment. The primary focus is to perform complex die installation, configuration, first-piece quality assurance, and ongoing optimization to maximize equipment uptime and production quality.

Requirements

• HS Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of documented multi-craft setup, die setting, or technical maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Power Press certification, Overhead crane training, Fork truck license/PVO license, and LOTO certification are required or must be obtained within a set timeframe.
• Advanced proficiency in precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, depth gauge).
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, part drawings, and technical schematics/layouts.
• Working knowledge of CNC/PLC control systems, welding fundamentals, and metal forming/shearing processes.
• Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis and formal problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5Why).
• Proficiency with heavy hand tools.
• Requires continuous lifting of 1–5 lbs, frequent lifting of 5–35 lbs, and occasional lifting of 35–60 lbs.
• Ability to stand for 10 hours or more per day.
• Frequent bending and twisting is required.
• Requires use of heavy hand tools, precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, depth gauge), and operation of overhead cranes/forklifts.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment requiring the use of approved Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and arm guards.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate Degree in a technical discipline or equivalent skilled trades coursework is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Start, monitor, and stop automatic power presses, ensuring the machine runs at rated strokes per minute (SPM).
• Use overhead cranes or forklifts to safely load metal coils onto uncoilers and position heavy parts or dies.
• Install, align, and secure stamping dies into power presses; adjust ram stroke, shut height, and feed systems to match part specifications.
• Load CNC or PLC programs for specific jobs and adjust parameters.
• Set up and operate secondary fabrication equipment, including roll levelers, shears, CNC Press Brakes, CNC Turrets, and Laser Cutting systems.
• Set up automated welding cells (MIG, Spot, Projection), changing tips/nozzles, and adjusting parameters (current, pressure, gas flow).
• Run trial parts and grant first piece inspection approval for complex tooling changes.
• Perform in-depth quality validation using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, fixed gauges, depth gauge) to verify conformance of parts to blueprints, and conduct weld destructive testing (chisel tests).
• Conduct frequent visual inspections for burrs, cracks, or surface defects.
• Analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot complex mechanical, die, tooling, electrical, and programming issues (CNC, PLC) to resolve equipment failures and maintain flow.
• Perform daily, weekly, and routine preventative/autonomous maintenance, lubrication, and execute minor on-site repairs (e.g., change punch, fix burr, adjust air pressure).
• Use Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO) when performing adjustments/maintenance.
• Monitor and empty scrap bins or conveyors to prevent "slug backup."
• Maintain accurate counts of parts produced and document downtime, mechanical issues, and setup parameters in the daily shift log/MES.
• Strictly adhere to light curtain protocols and two-hand control safety requirements, verifying all safety systems are fully operational.
• Drive process improvements using formal problem-solving methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, 5Why) to eliminate inefficiencies and quality defects.
• Maintain a clean 5S environment in the area.

Benefits

• Up to 80+ hours of paid training
• Up to 120 hours of paid time off (prorated based on start date)
• Medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid holidays, and other benefits available immediately
• Quarterly bonus opportunities!
• Tuition reimbursement
• Apprenticeship Program(s)
• Career growth opportunities and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED