Press Operator / Setup | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $44,000 - $69,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for excelling in press operator / setup? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Grand Rapids seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Grand Rapids region seeking Press Operator / Setups. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and calibrate manufacturing presses according to job specifications.
• Operate various types of presses (e.g., stamping, forming, hydraulic) to produce parts.
• Monitor press operations, detect malfunctions, and perform minor troubleshooting.
• Inspect finished products for quality defects and ensure adherence to specifications.
• Load and unload materials and finished parts from press machines.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on press equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and production instructions.

Recommended Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating and setting up manufacturing presses (e.g., stamping, hydraulic, mechanical).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and job orders.
• Proficient in using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges for quality control.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for machine adjustments, troubleshooting, and minor maintenance.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety protocols and attention to detail for product quality.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with advanced metrology tools (e.g., CMM, optical comparator) or SPC software.
• Basic electrical or mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Forklift certification or experience operating other material handling equipment.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles or 5S methodology.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Press Operator, Printing Press Operator, Setup Operator, Print Production Operator, Machine Operator, Press Technician, Machine Setup Technician, Production Machine Operator

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.