Press Setup Operator

Wingard Aerospace, a growing Baltimore, MD manufacturing company, is seeking a Press Setup Operator to join our organization. We are a world class manufacturer of electrical steel laminations and other precision Aerospace metal parts.

Wingard is an established privately-owned, employee-centric business with a great work environment where every employee makes a difference. We offer one of the best benefit packages in the industry, including a bonus program, paid vacations and holidays, 401k, medical

benefits, life insurance and short-term/long-term disability.

This is a full time, non-exempt position with a 4-day work week!

 Position Summary

The Press Set-Up Operator is responsible for setting up and operating various sizes of punch and hydraulic presses to produce high-quality aerospace metal-stamped components. This role ensures maximum machine uptime and productivity while strictly adhering to safety, quality, and ISO standards. The operator is expected to work independently, interpret technical documentation, and collaborate with tooling and quality teams to resolve any setup or production issues.

Essential Functions

The following duties are representative of the primary responsibilities of this position. Additional duties may be assigned based on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         Set up presses by installing and aligning dies and punches according to specifications.

·         Read and interpret job packets and blueprints to identify materials, tolerances, and part requirements.

·         Operate punch and hydraulic presses safely and efficiently.

·         Use precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers) to verify part dimensions.

·         Perform in-process quality inspections and routine checks during production runs.

·         Identify and correct defects or deviations; adjust machine settings as needed.

·         Coordinate with the Tooling Department to resolve tooling-related issues.

·         Maintain accurate production and inspection records for traceability and ISO compliance.

·         Safely operate a forklift to transport tooling and raw materials.

·         Adhere to all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

·         Lift and maneuver heavy materials as required.

·         Work independently with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of press setup/operating experience in a manufacturing environment.

·         Ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings.

·         Proficient in using and interpreting results from precision measuring tools.

·         Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

·         Familiarity with ISO standards and documentation requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal stamping preferred.
• Previous experience in aerospace manufacturing or metal stamping industries is highly desirable.
• Forklift operation experience.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Vocational or technical training in machine operation or manufacturing processes preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
• Frequent walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and work around production equipment.
• Visual ability to review technical drawings, blueprints, and computer screens.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers and office equipment.

Work Environment

This position works in both an office and manufacturing environment. Exposure to moderate noise levels, moving mechanical equipment, heat, dust, and other typical manufacturing conditions may occur. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when entering designated production areas.