Punch Press Operator

Nashville, Tennessee, US on site Until 8/21/2026 First posted May 13, 2026 Last posted May 13, 2026
Job description

Overview

We are hiring a skilled and detail-oriented Punch Press Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the daily setup, operation, and maintenance of a punch machine to produce high-quality parts according to precise specifications.

You will be responsible for handling materials, monitoring equipment and tooling, and verifying that every part matches mechanical drawings. We are looking for motivated, hands-on workers who take pride in precision and want to be part of a high-quality manufacturing team.

Profiles encouraged to apply include: CNC machine operators, metal fabricators, punch press operators, heavy equipment operators, and technically-minded individuals who are comfortable working with machinery, reading blueprints, and handling raw materials.

Compensation

  • $20 - $21 / hr
  • Paid weekly

Shift

  • Monday to Friday
  • 2nd Shift: 4:30pm - 4:00am

Benefits

  • Health, vision, dental
  • 401(k) + match
  • PTO

Responsibilities

  • Set Up & Operate Punch Machines – Perform daily setup and operation of the punch machine to produce accurate parts. Load materials into the machine and ensure proper alignment before running.
  • Program & Adjust – Upload and run programs from the machine controller. Perform basic programming adjustments using the controller to ensure precise outputs.
  • Perform Critical Quality Inspections – Read and interpret mechanical drawings and part tolerances. Conduct first article, in-process, and final inspections of parts to maintain strict quality standards.
  • Execute Safe Material Handling – Safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes as required to maneuver materials.
  • Monitor Machine Health & Maintenance – Follow preventative maintenance schedules to ensure the machine operates properly. Actively monitor equipment and tooling, requesting external maintenance when required.
  • Manage Packaging & Team Support – Package finished parts according to customer requirements. Assist other operators as needed on different machines to support overall shop flow.
  • Maintain Workflow Efficiency – Work closely with management to ensure production efficiency, safety, and on-time delivery while thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Required

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, engineering blueprints, and digital cut files
  • Experience using basic measuring tools (tape measures, digital calipers)
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and lift/move heavy materials (up to 50 lbs) safely
  • Strong attention to detail to ensure precision cuts and spot edge defects

Preferred Skills

  • Previous experience operating CNC machinery or flat bed lasers (e.g., TRUMPF, MAZAK, MITSUBISHI
  • Experience operating overhead cranes, jib cranes, and forklifts
  • Familiarity with metal fabrication properties and cutting raw materials
  • Basic understanding of CNC nesting software or CAD/CAM programs

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Disability insurance
About this role

Summary

Operate and maintain punch machines, read blueprints, and ensure quality in a manufacturing setting.

Job title

Punch Press Operator

Experience level

entry level

Industry

manufacturing

Location requirements

Nashville, Tennessee, United States; on-site role

Salary

$20 - $21 / hr

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

read blueprintsmeasuring toolslift heavy materialsmachine operation

Preferred skills

CNC machineryoverhead cranesmetal propertiesCAD/CAM

Specializations

CNC machinerymetal fabrication
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Nashville, TN, USA

On-site City