Stamping/Press Press Operator

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in “Automotive News.” A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.

Job Title: Blanking Press Operator

Starting Pay Rate: $21.50 (after 90 days $22.00, after 6 months $22.50)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM, with mandatory overtime as needed

Reports To: Blanking/Weld/Press Supervisor

Job Summary

The Blanking Press Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring blanking presses to ensure safe, efficient production of quality parts. This position involves inspecting finished products, handling materials, performing changeovers, maintaining equipment and work areas, and adhering to strict safety and quality standards. The operator works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, noise, and industrial conditions.

Responsibilities

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety toe boots, hearing protection, safety glasses, Kevlar cut protection clothing, and work apron.
• Monitor press operations to ensure proper function and safe use. Some presses require two operators; others are single-operator presses.
• Monitor press and conveyor systems to ensure parts are not stuck in the die.
• Inspect finished parts as they enter baskets, inspecting a minimum of two parts at the beginning and end of each basket.
• Collect stacked parts from conveyors, lift stacks (up to 20 pounds), bend at the waist (45–120 degrees), and push down/nest parts together using up to 30 pounds of force.
• On single-operator presses, manually push scrap metal out of the machine using a long rod, requiring bending at the waist and pushing with up to 50 pounds of force to move scrap into the chute hopper.
• Create and apply labels for baskets of finished parts.
• Address misfeeds by manually cutting out material and disposing of scrap; may use a hand grinder as needed.
• During changeovers:
• Manually move conveyor belts on wheels (44 pounds push/pull force required).
• Use wrenches to secure nuts and bolts.
• On designated presses, push baskets of product down the line in a two-operator task requiring approximately 92.5 pounds of force to move four baskets (two full, two empty) approximately 10 feet.
• Perform general housekeeping duties including sweeping, mopping, and maintaining a clean work area.
• Complete required quality training and adhere to established product quality standards.
• Perform product inspections:
• Lift bumpers from a 30-inch-high conveyor to a 46-inch-high inspection buck.
• Clean and inspect bumpers on inspection tables.
• Sand imperfections using sandpaper (tandem press inspector only).
• Occasionally operate forklift and overhead crane equipment (certification required).
• Safely operate forklifts using both hands for steering and right-hand lever controls, with constant right-foot pedal operation.
• Maintain full range of neck and spine motion to look behind when reversing forklift and look up/down while transporting materials.
• Work scheduled 8-hour shifts with potential overtime of 10–12 hours, including two 10-minute breaks and one 20-minute meal break.
  

Shift is 8 hours. May work overtime up to 10-12 hours. Two 10-minute breaks/ shift and 20-minute meal break. Employees get paid the entire time they are clocked in and do not clock out for breaks, if taken on campus!

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Forklift and overhead crane certification required (or ability to obtain certification).
• Must successfully complete quality standard training for all applicable products.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, bend, twist, push, pull, and lift above head and below shoulder level.
• Must be able to carry bumpers weighing up to 50 pounds for distances of 15–25 feet.
• Frequent bending at the waist (45–120 degrees) and reaching forward during stacking operations.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Frequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, and vibration.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Work environment noise level is typically loud.
  
  

Work Environment

• The work environment is representative of conditions typical for a manufacturing facility. Guardian West is not a climate-controlled facility. Safety precautions must always be followed to reduce exposure to hazards
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, and loud environments
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration
  
  

Why Join Us?

We offer a competitive pay rate, opportunities for skill development, and a dynamic work environment where your expertise as a Blanking Press Operator will directly contribute to the success of the team.

Benefits

Company Benefits:

• 401(k)- With company match!
• Medical, Vision and Dental insurance
• Additional employee- sponsored benefits: Short Term and Long- term disability, FSA & HSA Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
  
  

Guardian West is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for precision and quality, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our team!

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation time
  
  

What do our employees have to say?

“It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities.”

“Lots of growth opportunity.”

“The company’s young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable.”

Not just a job—a great place to work!

Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.