General Operator

Job Summary

Press Operators are responsible for safe, efficient, and quality-compliant operation of progressive stamping equipment. Working from Production Work Orders, operators load raw material, run jobs to standard, perform preventive maintenance, conduct quality inspections, and maintain clean, organized work areas. As operators advance from General to B to A classification, they take on broader machine coverage, greater strip-starting proficiency, and responsibility for training others.

Key Responsibilities

(Other duties may be assigned — applies to all levels)

Machine Operation & Production

• Operates automatic power press and auxiliary equipment in a safe and correct manner
• Identifies, handles, and loads raw material
• Reads, interprets, and complies with the Production Work Order
• Able to run 3–4 machines after training is complete
• Restocks supplies required for jobs

Quality & Inspection

• Performs and documents required visual and physical quality inspections as indicated by work instructions
• Correctly identifies and handles non-conforming product
• Correctly handles scrap during and after production

Maintenance & Safety

• Performs and documents scheduled preventive equipment maintenance; communicates equipment-related problems correctly
• Complies with all safety programs — especially press guarding, lockout/tagout, PPE, fire safety, and hearing conservation
• Performs all work in a safe and responsible manner
• Keeps work area clean and well organized

Systems & Communication

• Uses computers for data entry in a specified and appropriate manner
• Communicates production status and equipment issues clearly to supervision

Qualifications

Required — All Levels

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred

Able to read, write, and speak fluent English

Able to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos

Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; compute rates, ratios, and percentages; perform operations using units of weight and volume

Dependable with consistent attendance and follow-through

Authorized to work in the U.S.

Experience Guidelines by Level

General: 0–1 year of manufacturing and/or production experience preferred

Operator B: 1–2 years of manufacturing experience preferred

Operator A: 2–3+ years of manufacturing experience preferred; forklift certification required (or ability to obtain)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to stand for the entire shift; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed

Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (Medium/Heavy work classification)

Must frequently perform repetitive hand, wrist, and finger motions

Close visual acuity required — ability to visually recognize defects via visual aids or boundary samples

Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, high heat, and hazardous conditions; noise level in the work environment is usually loud — hearing protection required

Subject to stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and sustained standing throughout the shift