Press Operator / Setup | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $46,000 - $71,000 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 Traverse City seeking experienced Press Operator / Setups.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Traverse City seeking Press Operator / Setups who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and adjust manufacturing presses according to job specifications and blueprints.
• Operate presses to produce parts, ensuring adherence to quality standards and production schedules.
• Monitor machine performance and product output, making necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on press equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common machine malfunctions to minimize downtime.
• Load raw materials into machines and unload finished products.
• Conduct quality checks and inspections of finished parts using precision measuring tools.

Recommended Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating and setting up manufacturing presses (e.g., stamping, hydraulic, injection molding).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for machine adjustments and minor repairs.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Commitment to safety protocols and procedures in a manufacturing environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• CNC programming or operating experience
• Forklift certification
• Basic welding or fabrication skills
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles
• Experience with CAD software for blueprint interpretation

Job Titles That Should Apply

Press Operator, Press Setup Operator, Machine Operator, Production Press Operator, Manufacturing Press Operator, Press Technician, Setup Technician, Die Setter, Brake Press Operator, Stamping Press 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.