Progressive Die Press Setup Technician

Progressive Die Press Setup Technician

Location:

Wood Dale, IL

Reports to:

Production ManagerA day in this role

You arrive, review the work instructions, and stage everything needed—material, lubricants, packaging. Using a cart, tray, or a forklift, you bring the correct progressive tooling to the punch press, identify the proper material thickness and gauge, and set the tooling precisely. You dial in accurate feeds, run the first-off, and confirm it matches the print using gages, micrometers, and calipers. If anything is off, you fine-tune settings and verify hydraulic and mechanical safety controls.

As production runs, you assist operators on difficult jobs or unusual instructions, troubleshoot tooling and die protection issues, and jump in to run the machine as needed. You keep the area organized, complete paperwork accurately, and communicate any issues to your supervisor—always following company safety and attendance policies while contributing to process and quality improvements.

Core responsibilities

Set a variety of progressive tools into punch presses; install fixtures and align tooling.

Stage materials, lubricants, packaging, and other process components.

Identify and verify proper material thickness and gauge.

Transport tools to machines via cart, tray, or forklift.

Configure equipment for accurate material feeds; run and validate first piece.

Operate the press to produce parts as required; package and label correctly.

Visually inspect output for burrs, scrapes, rust, and other defects.

Measure parts against prints using gages, micrometers, calipers, etc.

Adjust machine settings as needed to maintain quality and throughput.

Check and adjust hydraulic and mechanical safety controls.

Perform routine maintenance on assigned machinery and equipment.

Maintain a clean, organized work area and complete all paperwork on time.

Train and assist operators on complex jobs or unusual instructions; reset work when needed.

Troubleshoot tools and die protection; collaborate to resolve day-to-day issues.

Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and attendance.

Participate in activities to increase skill level, improve processes, and enhance product quality.

Perform other duties as assigned to meet company needs.

Qualifications Ability to learn to speak, read, and communicate in English.

Blueprint reading proficiency and basic shop math.

Technical knowledge of assigned punch press machinery.

Ability to distinguish raw materials (e.g., stainless steel, cold rolled steel).Strong teamwork, communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.

OSHA-required training:
Lock-out/Tag-out, Hazard Communication, PPE, Emergency Evacuation.

Certified Forklift Driver; operating knowledge of hoist and crane equipment.

Physical demands and environment
20/20 vision required with or without correction.

Use of hands and good manual dexterity 100% of the workday.

Ability to stand or walk for the full shift with frequent twisting, bending, and leaning.

Primarily an industrial setting with occasional exposure to loud noise, dust, solvents, coolants, and oils.

ClassificationFLSANon-Exempt