Punch Press Setup Technician

Punch Press Setup & Tooling Technician

Location: Carson, CA

Department: Punch Press Operations

Reports To: Production Supervisor / Manufacturing Director

Employment Type: Full-Time 2nd Shift Preferred (2:30pm Start)

About Us:

A&R Engineering Co., Inc. is a precision manufacturer serving the Aerospace and Defense industry, producing mission-critical components through advanced CNC machining, Punch Press, and Assembly operations. Our team is committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Punch Press Setup Technician with strong tooling maintenance and surface grinding skills to join our metal stamping department. This role is responsible for setting up and maintaining mechanical punch presses (10–75 ton) from manufacturers such as Bliss, Southbend, and Komatsu, running materials like aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and copper. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in die setup, in-process troubleshooting, and restoring precision on worn tooling components.

Key Responsibilities:

Setup and Operation:

Prepare and install dies for punch press production (single-hit and progressive dies).

Set feeds, speeds, and clearances appropriate for aluminum, stainless, and copper.

Validate first-article parts to blueprint and work instruction specs.

Tooling Maintenance & Repairs:

Perform preventive maintenance on dies and press tooling.

Sharpen, lap, or recondition punches, forms, and dies using surface grinders or other manual equipment.

Diagnose wear, galling, and dimensional failures; suggest or implement corrective actions.

Documentation & Compliance:

Complete setup sheets and maintenance logs per AS9100 procedures.

Support root cause analysis for part or tooling defects.

Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a clean, organized work area.

Qualifications:

Required:

5+ years of punch press setup experience in aerospace, defense, or similar high-tolerance industry.

Strong knowledge of die maintenance, surface grinding, and blueprint reading (including GD&T).

Experience with aluminum, stainless steel, and copper in sheet form.

Familiarity with AS9100/ISO9001-compliant work environments.

Preferred:

Hands-on experience with Bliss, Southbend, Komatsu or similar mechanical presses.

Basic machining knowledge (mill/lathe) for making die components.

Forklift operation or overhead crane use for tool handling.

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive hourly wage [$28–$36/hr depending on experience]

Available Overtime

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time

Opportunities for advancement within a growing aerospace team