Press Operator job description.
A press operator sets up and runs stamping, printing, or molding presses to produce parts or materials to specification. They monitor machine performance, perform quality checks, and carry out routine maintenance to keep production running safely and efficiently.
The Press Operator job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Press Operator Reports to: Production Supervisor
A press operator sets up and runs stamping, printing, or molding presses to produce parts or materials to specification. They monitor machine performance, perform quality checks, and carry out routine maintenance to keep production running safely and efficiently.
- Set up presses according to job specifications and work orders
- Load materials, dies, or plates and adjust machine settings
- Operate presses to produce parts or printed materials to spec
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Production Supervisor
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Set up presses according to job specifications and work orders
- Load materials, dies, or plates and adjust machine settings
- Operate presses to produce parts or printed materials to spec
- Inspect output for defects and adjust settings to correct issues
- Perform routine machine maintenance and minor troubleshooting
- Record production counts, downtime, and scrap rates
- Follow lockout/tagout and other machine safety procedures
- Maintain a clean and organized work area around the press
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience operating stamping, printing, or molding presses preferred
- Ability to read work orders, blueprints, or job tickets
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lb / 23 kg
- Experience with CNC or programmable press controls
- Forklift certification
- Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Press Operator job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Press Operator job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Production Supervisor) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What experience should a press operator candidate have?
- Prior experience running stamping, printing, or molding presses is preferred, though many employers train entry-level candidates on the job.
- What safety training does a press operator need?
- Training in lockout/tagout procedures and general machine guarding is typically required before independent operation.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Machine Operator
A Machine Operator sets up, runs, and monitors production machinery to manufacture parts or products to specification.
Production Operator
A Production Operator runs and monitors manufacturing equipment on a production line to meet output, quality, and safety targets.
CNC Operator
A CNC operator sets up and runs computer numerically controlled machines to produce precision parts from metal, plastic, or other materials.
This Press Operator job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.