Press Operator - 3rd

Job Title: Press Operator – 3rd Shift - 24/hr

Job Description

This 3rd shift Press Operator role focuses on safely operating 2–500 ton stamping presses to produce high-quality automotive components. You will set up and run presses, perform basic preventive maintenance, complete die and coil changes, and use precision measuring tools to verify part quality. The position requires strict adherence to safety and standard operating procedures while working in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate 2–500 ton stamping presses to produce transmission and other automotive parts in a high-volume production environment.
• Assist with press setup, including die changes, coil changes, and production start-up activities.
• Measure coils, read scales accurately, and ensure material is correctly loaded and fed into the press.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and gauges to check part quality at regular intervals (approximately every 500 parts or as required).
• Monitor press operation continuously and make basic adjustments to maintain consistent part quality and throughput.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on presses and related equipment as required.
• Conduct thorough visual and dimensional inspections to confirm parts meet specifications and quality standards.
• Use overhead cranes safely for material handling and support future forklift operation after training.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping expectations.
• Read, understand, and follow all safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times and comply with all safety rules in a loud, industrial environment.
• Support production goals by working overtime, extra days, and weekends when required, especially during peak periods.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to resolve production issues and improve processes where possible.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of previous press operation experience with 2–500 ton stamping presses.
• Experience in transfer or progressive die press operations.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
• Ability to operate and monitor stamping presses and related production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Ability to perform die changes, coil changes, and basic press setups with guidance or independently.
• Proficiency using micrometers, calipers, and various gauges for dimensional inspection and quality checks.
• Ability to read and follow safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Capability to work overtime, extra days, and weekends as necessary based on production demands.
• Ability to wear all required PPE (including steel or composite toe shoes, hard hat, ear protection, and eye protection) for the entire shift.
• Physical ability to work in a loud, fast-paced manufacturing environment and handle materials and equipment safely.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience operating a 500 ton stamping press.
• Progressive or transfer die experience in an automotive or similar high-volume environment.
• Comfort working around older industrial machinery and typical manufacturing conditions.
• General machine operation or general labor experience in production settings.
• Willingness to train on overhead crane use and potentially on forklift operation in the future.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Reliability, strong work ethic, and ability to work independently as well as in a team.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a comprehensive and supportive total rewards package designed to recognize hard work and encourage long-term growth. Team members receive an annual stipend for steel or composite toe shoes and gain access to robust healthcare benefits that can be significantly reduced or eliminated through completion of wellness activities. Dependents receive highly competitive coverage options, and a 401(k) plan with a company match helps support long-term financial security. Paid time off accrues quickly in the first year, with additional vacation days, holiday pay, floating holidays, and extra time off awarded for overtime appreciation. The organization emphasizes safety, invests in employee well-being, and is known for promoting from within—many leaders have advanced from floor roles into technical, engineering, and executive positions, creating clear pathways for career progression.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large automotive manufacturing facility with more than 400 employees. The opening is on 3rd shift, with standard hours from 10:50 p.m. to 7:10 a.m. Training will most likely take place on 1st shift (6:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.) or on a hybrid schedule of 1st and 2nd shift (2:50 p.m. to 11:10 p.m.) for approximately one week. Overtime, extra day shifts, and weekend work may be required, particularly during busy periods such as late summer. The environment is typical of industrial manufacturing: loud, well lit, with older machinery and a noticeable rubber smell due to the production of automotive components such as fuel hoses, air conditioning hoses, turbo air hoses, water and vacuum hoses, mounts, transmission parts, suspension parts, and chassis parts. Steel or composite toe footwear is required at all times, and the dress code consists of long pants and a t-shirt, with uniforms provided over time. The company supplies all required PPE, including hard hats, hearing protection, and eye protection, and maintains a strong, safety-focused culture throughout the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bluffton, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.02 - $24.02/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bluffton,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.