Job Information Job Title: Kick Press Operator Department: Production / Manufacturing Reports To: Forming Supervisor Location: Roseville, MI, USA Effective/Revision Date: 11-2026
Role Purpose The Kick Press Operator forms precision metal parts using kick press equipment and manual forming operations in accordance with customer drawings, specifications, and documented work instructions. This role is responsible for producing conforming parts safely and consistently while meeting production and quality requirements.
Scope & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform assigned duties in accordance with documented procedures and work instructions.
- Set up and operate kick press equipment and approved forming tools or dies to form metal parts to customer specifications.
- Review work orders, drawings, specifications, and job travelers to verify material, tooling, forming requirements, and quantities before production.
- Inspect first-piece and in-process parts for dimensions, angles, shape, surface condition, and other specified acceptance criteria using appropriate measuring tools.
- Make permitted equipment and tooling adjustments within training and authorization limits; escalate tooling, machine, or process issues to supervision.
- Handle thin metal parts carefully to prevent scratches, bends, burr-related injuries, and other damage.
- Identify, segregate, and report nonconforming material in accordance with quality procedures.
- Accurately record production quantities, scrap, inspection results, and job status in required production systems or documentation.
- Maintain an orderly workstation and perform routine operator-level equipment checks and cleaning as instructed.
- Follow machine guarding, pinch-point safety, required PPE, and applicable lockout/tagout procedures; never bypass safety devices.
- Coordinate with Production, Quality, and Engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and support on-time completion of customer orders.
- Follow applicable quality management system requirements, traceability controls, and ITAR-related handling procedures.
Work Experience & Skills Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience: Prior manufacturing, metal forming, press operation, or precision parts experience preferred; equivalent hands-on mechanical experience considered.
Skills / Knowledge:
- Ability to interpret work orders and basic technical drawings
- Use calipers, gauges, and other inspection tools
- Recognize forming defects
- Follow standardized setup, safety, and quality instructions. Basic math and accurate production recordkeeping.
Personal Attributes:
- Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, reliability, manual dexterity, willingness to learn, and ability to work collaboratively.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Work is performed primarily on a manufacturing floor around production equipment, moving parts, and metal materials.
- Regular standing, repetitive hand and foot motions, reaching, handling small parts, and visual inspection of detailed components are required.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Use required personal protective equipment and comply with applicable machine safety and environmental procedures.
Compliance Statements Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran ITAR Requirements: This position may include access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
