CNC Turret Punch Press Specialist

CNC Turret Punch Press Specialist

Location:

Baltimore, MD Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Starting Pay:
From $20.00 per hour

We are looking for an experienced CNC Turret Punch Press Specialist to join a precision sheet metal manufacturing team. This role is responsible for independently setting up and operating CNC punch press equipment to produce high-quality metal components while meeting production schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate has strong machine setup experience, can read engineering drawings, and is comfortable performing inspections, tooling changes, and routine equipment checks.

• Set up and operate CNC turret punch press equipment.
• Complete machine setups, including tooling installation, alignment, and program verification.
• Load and unload sheet metal safely.
• Verify material type, thickness, grain direction, and finish before production.
• Perform first-piece inspections before releasing jobs.
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality and productivity.
• Remove finished parts carefully to prevent damage.
• Deburr parts as needed or move them to secondary operations.
• Maximize sheet utilization and minimize material waste.

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and manufacturing instructions.
• Verify dimensions, tolerances, and drawing revisions before production.
• Understand sheet metal features, including:
• Embosses
• Louvers
• Extrusions
• Countersinks
• Hardware locations
• Bend reliefs
• Hole placement requirements

• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections.
• Inspect parts using tape measures, calipers, and inspection templates.
• Verify dimensions, hole locations, formed features, and overall part quality.
• Report drawing discrepancies or production concerns before continuing work.
• Ensure finished parts meet cosmetic and dimensional specifications.

• Label and track work-in-process throughout manufacturing.
• Organize completed parts by job and operation.
• Complete production documentation accurately.
• Maintain an organized work area to support efficient workflow.

• Perform daily startup and shutdown inspections.
• Clean machines, tooling, and work areas.
• Inspect punches, dies, and tooling for wear or damage.
• Report hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, or tooling issues promptly.
• Assist with preventive maintenance activities as needed.
• Follow all workplace safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating CNC turret punch press equipment.
• 3+ years of machine setup experience.
• 3+ years reading blueprints and engineering drawings.
• 3+ years using precision measuring equipment.
• 3+ years working with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
• Ability to independently complete machine setups.
• Experience changing, maintaining, and troubleshooting punch tooling.
• Knowledge of tooling selection, punch clearances, and sheet layout optimization.
• Ability to read manufacturing documentation and work instructions.
• Forklift experience is a plus.

Preferred Equipment Experience

Experience operating one or more of the following:

• Trumpf Tru Punch
• Amada Pega
• Prima Power
• Finn-Power
• Salvagnini
• Comparable CNC turret punch press systems

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Blueprint reading and interpretation
• Turret punch tooling setup and maintenance
• Machine, tooling, and program troubleshooting
• Attention to detail
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequently bend, reach, and lift during production.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Safely handle sheet metal and finished components.

What Success Looks Like

Successful employees consistently demonstrate:

• Accurate first-piece inspections
• High machine utilization and productivity
• Low scrap and rework rates
• Proper tooling selection and maintenance
• On-time completion of production schedules
• Quality parts that meet engineering specifications
• Accurate production records
• Safe operation of equipment and adherence to workplace safety standards