Machinery Set Up and Operator

About Premier Metal Works

Premier Metal Works is a premier metal manufacturing shop based in Chicago. We pride ourselves on precision, safety, and delivering top-quality metal products. We are looking for an energetic, dependable Machine Setup Operator to join our production team.

If you have strong mechanical skills, hands-on shop experience, and a great work ethic, we want to hear from you. Die-setting experience pays more, but we will fully train the right person!

Position Overview

As a Machine Setup Operator, you will set up and operate a variety of mechanical and hydraulic presses and shop equipment. Your daily workload will involve a balance of machine setup and production runs. You will be responsible for installing tooling, producing first-piece parts, running production, verifying measurements, updating job travelers, and maintaining a safe, efficient workspace.

Equipment You Will Set Up & Run

• Double-action mechanical presses
• Double-action hydraulic press
• Single-action mechanical presses
• Single-action hydraulic press
• Circle shear
• Trimming lathes
• Engine lathe

Key Responsibilities

• Setup & Tooling: Set up presses and auxiliary machinery for scheduled jobs; install, align, and adjust dies and tooling.
• Production: Run production orders while maintaining high quality and smooth workflow.
• Quality Control: Inspect first-piece and in-process parts using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) following engineering prints and work instructions.
• Documentation: Accurately update and maintain job travelers so they reflect real-time production practices.
• Safety & Maintenance: Keep your work area safe and clean; report any machine, die, or tooling issues immediately; follow lockout/tagout procedures.
• Material Handling: Handle raw materials and finished goods as needed throughout the shop.

Basic Qualifications (Required)

• Proven machine operation experience in a manufacturing or shop environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with hand tools.
• Solid shop math skills.
• Proficiency using calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work the standard schedule (Mon–Fri, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM) plus occasional overtime (Saturdays, 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
• Physical ability to stand for most of the shift and lift up to 100 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications (A Strong Plus — Higher Starting Pay)

• Prior die-setting experience (pays higher starting wage).
• Prior press setup experience.
• Blueprint / print reading experience.
• Forklift certification or experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Work Environment & Shop Conditions

• Physical Demands: Heavy manufacturing production work requiring standing for most of the day and frequent lifting of up to 100 lbs.
• Safety Gear: Steel-toe shoes and safety glasses are strictly required (steel-toe shoe reimbursement program provided). Earplugs are available and provided.
• Environment: Active, loud shop environment during production runs; shop is warmer during summer months.
• Training Provided: Comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machinery safety training provided on site.

About Premier Metal Works
Premier Metal Works, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of seamless metal components, in business since 1928. We specialize in deep-drawn stampings in steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, brass, and other malleable metals. Small shop; long-tenured crew.