Press Operator / Setup | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $41,000 - $66,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in press operator / setup? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in St. Johns seeking Press Operator / Setups to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. 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.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the St. Johns 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 operate various presses (e.g., punch, brake, forming) according to job specifications.
• Load and unload raw materials and finished parts, ensuring proper handling and storage.
• Monitor machine operations for quality defects, unusual sounds, or malfunctions.
• Perform in-process quality checks using measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers) and make necessary adjustments.
• Troubleshoot minor machine issues and perform routine maintenance tasks.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and production schedules.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, adhering to safety protocols.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3+ years experience operating and setting up manufacturing presses (e.g., stamping, hydraulic, pneumatic).
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality checks using precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and minor maintenance of press equipment.
• Experience with material handling, including loading and unloading dies and raw materials.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with color matching and quality control tools (e.g., densitometers, spectrophotometers)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for complex machinery
• Forklift certification or experience operating similar material handling equipment
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry, machine control interfaces, and production software

Job Titles That Should Apply

Printing Press Operator, Flexo Press Operator, Lithographic Press Operator, Offset Press Operator, Digital Press Operator, Pressman, Print Production Technician, Machine Operator (Printing), Printing Technician, Setup Operator (Printing), Bindery Operator

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.