Punch Press Machinist II – Setup, Operation, Toolmaking

Overview

Punch Press Setup / Operator — 2nd Shift (2:15pm Start).

Location:

Carson, CA. Department:
Punch Press Operations.

Reports To:

Production Supervisor / Manufacturing Director.

Employment Type:

Full-Time.

Salary: DOE, $20-34 per hour.

We are seeking a Punch Press Setup Operator with Progressive Die experience to join our metal stamping department. This role is responsible for setting up and running mechanical punch presses (20–75 ton) from manufacturers such as Bliss, Southbend, and Komatsu, running materials like aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and copper. The ideal candidate will have experience in machine shops and hand tools needed to perform die setups and production, understanding routers and blueprints, and in-process inspection (using comparators).

• Setup
  • Prepare and install dies for punch press production (single-hit and progressive dies). Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs at a time
  • Set feeds, speeds, and clearances appropriate for aluminum, stainless, and copper
  • Validate first-article parts to blueprint and work instruction specs
• Operation
  • Work with setup technicians to prepare and install dies for punch press production (simple, compound and progressive dies)
  • Understand and follow Work Instructions, Job Router Sequences, and Part Blueprints to ensure the conforming part is produced in correct quantities
  • Follow guidance on feeds, speeds, and clearances appropriate to run aluminum, stainless, and copper parts to specifications
• Maintenance & Team Support
  • Perform daily 6S and preventive maintenance tasks on dies and press equipment
  • Observe and Report machine failures and non-conformities
  • Cross-train on multiple machines and processes to support the punch press team needs, alert the leadership of any issues, obstacles, or opportunities
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Complete setup sheets and maintenance logs per AS9100 procedures
  • Support root cause analysis for part or tooling defects
  • Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a clean, organized work area

Required:

• 2+ years of punch press setup/operator experience in aerospace, defense, or similar high-tolerance industry
• Knowledge of die components, blueprint reading (including GD&T)
• Experience with aluminum, stainless steel, and copper in sheet form
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO
  9001-compliant work environments

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with Bliss, Southbend, Komatsu or similar mechanical presses
• Basic machining knowledge (deburr stations, hand tools)
• Pallet Jack operation or overhead crane use for tool handling

• Competitive hourly wage (depending on experience)
• Available overtime
• Supplemented-cost Medical, Dental, Vision insurance after 30 days employment
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year employment
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing aerospace team