Press Operator / Setup | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $45,000 - $70,000 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 Rockford 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 partner with manufacturers across Rockford 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

• Operate and monitor manufacturing presses to produce parts according to specifications.
• Perform setup and changeover procedures for various presses and tooling.
• Conduct quality inspections of finished products, identifying and resolving defects.
• Load and unload materials and parts from presses, ensuring efficient workflow.
• Troubleshoot and make minor adjustments to machinery to maintain optimal performance.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work area.

Recommended Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ 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 measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with preventative maintenance on presses
• Forklift certification or experience
• Prior experience in a unionized environment
• Basic computer skills for data entry and machine interface

Job Titles That Should Apply

Press Operator, Printing Press Operator, Offset Press Operator, Flexographic Press Operator, Digital Press Operator, Print Production Technician, Machine Operator - Printing, Setup Technician - Printing, Pressman, Print Finisher

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.