What are the responsibilities and job description for the Press Set-Up Technician position at Alpha Metalcraft Group?
Press Set-Up Technician
Company Overview
Alpha Metalcraft Group (AMG) is a leading manufacturer of precision metal components serving the aerospace, defense, medical, and commercial markets. Our Bethel facility specializes in precision metal forming, CNC machining, tool and die manufacturing, and high-volume production of mission-critical components. AMG operates in a quality-driven environment supporting demanding customer and industry requirements.
Position Summary
AMG Bethel is seeking an experienced Press Set-Up Technician to join our manufacturing team. This position is responsible for setting up and preparing production presses, installing and adjusting dies and tooling, completing first-piece inspections, and ensuring equipment is operating safely, efficiently, and within required specifications.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience setting up production presses and dies, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to read blueprints and use precision measuring equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and prepare production presses, dies, and related tooling for manufacturing operations.
- Install, remove, position, bolt, clamp, and adjust dies and tooling.
- Make necessary setup and tooling adjustments to achieve required part specifications.
- Safely move and position dies using appropriate material-handling equipment for heavier tooling.
- Verify raw material type, thickness, and specifications prior to production.
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, work instructions, and process sheets.
- Use precision measuring equipment to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
- Perform first-piece inspections and make necessary adjustments before releasing jobs for production.
- Conduct dimensional and visual checks to ensure parts meet quality requirements throughout the production process.
- Inspect dies and tooling for wear, damage, cleanliness, and overall condition.
- Identify when dies require cleaning, sharpening, repair, or other maintenance.
- Work closely with Quality personnel to resolve dimensional or product-conformance issues.
- Set and verify required machine guarding and operator safety devices.
- Troubleshoot basic press, tooling, and setup issues to minimize downtime.
- Accurately complete required production and quality documentation.
- Follow established production methods, work instructions, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to setup time, productivity, quality, and safety.
- Work effectively with operators, supervisors, Quality, Engineering, and other members of the manufacturing team.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience setting up and/or operating production presses and related tooling in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with press setup, dies, tooling, and metal-forming operations strongly preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and manufacturing process documentation.
- Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
- Basic math skills, including the ability to work with measurements and tolerances.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience using an ERP or manufacturing system is a plus.
- Must meet applicable U.S. Person requirements for access to ITAR-controlled technical data.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the workday.
- Ability to bend, reach, grip, push, pull, and perform repetitive manufacturing tasks.
- Ability to safely lift and handle tooling and materials within established safety guidelines.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around production equipment and typical shop-floor noise.
Benefits
- Quarterly Profit-Share Bonus
- 401(k) plan with employer Safe Harbor contribution
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Paid time off
- Paid company holidays
- Employee referral program
Alpha Metalcraft Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a minimum of 3 years of experience setting up and/or operating production presses and related tooling in a manufacturing environment?
- Are you able to read and interpret blueprints and manufacturing process documentation?
- Do you have experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $32