Press Operator / Setup - Petoskey Area

Press Operator / Setup | Petoskey, MI

Salary Range: $48,000 - $75,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excelling as a press operator / setup? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Petoskey area seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups to drive results.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Press Operator / Setup opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Petoskey in Emmet County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with multiple companies in the Petoskey area seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups. These organizations value long-term fit and look for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy and visual defects.
• Perform first piece and in process checks using calipers and gauges.
• Troubleshoot press faults and make minor repairs to keep production running.
• Complete setup sheets, production logs, and maintenance records.
• Set up presses according to job specifications and production schedules.
• Install and align dies, tooling, and fixtures on the press.
• Adjust press settings such as stroke, speed, and pressure for each run.
• Load material and monitor the feed throughout the production run.

Recommended Qualifications

• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to safety procedures and lockout tagout practices.
• Prior press operation or setup experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to read blueprints, job orders, and setup instructions.
• Comfort using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Mechanical aptitude for adjusting tooling and diagnosing press issues.

Bonus Qualifications

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and 5S practices.
• Formal training in machine trades or a related apprenticeship.
• Experience with CNC controlled press equipment.
• Experience with stamping, forming, or deep draw presses.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Stamping Press Operator, Machine Operator, Die Setter, Punch Press Operator, Forming Machine Operator, Production Operator, Tool and Die Technician, Fabrication Operator, Press Operator, Press Setup Technician

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network 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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

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 at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network 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.