Press Operator Job Description, KRAs and Skills

A Press Operator runs power presses for sheet metal stamping, blanking, bending or forming. They set up or load the die, feed material, run the press to stroke, and check parts for burr, crack or dimension. The role reports to the Production Supervisor or Shift In-Charge. A good press operator runs safely with both hands clear of the die, produces stamped parts within tolerance, and keeps the stroke rate up while catching die or material problems early.

Detail	For this role
Department	Production
Level	Entry level
Reports to	Production Supervisor
Direct reports	None
Experience	1 to 4 years on power presses

Press Operator job description template

Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.

Job title: Press Operator

Department: Production

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

Key responsibilities

Load or help set the correct die on the press and confirm shut height and stroke settings.
Feed sheet, coil or blanks into the die accurately and at the right pace for the stroke rate.
Run the press to produce stamped, blanked or formed parts to the drawing.
Check parts for burr, crack, wrinkle and dimension at the set frequency and adjust or stop as needed.
Use both-hand controls, light guards and safety devices correctly on every stroke.
Segregate defective parts, and stop and inform the supervisor when the die needs attention.
Apply lubricant to the strip or die as required and clear slugs and scrap from the die area.
Watch for die wear, misfeed or double strike, and report die problems for the tool room.
Do daily checks on the press, clutch, brake and guards before running.
Record output, rejection and downtime on the machine log through the shift.

Requirements

ITI or tenth pass with press training
On-the-job press safety sign-off
Ability to read simple drawings
1 to 4 years on power presses

KRAs and KPIs for a Press Operator

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result area	How to measure it
Safety	Zero hand or guard-related incident on the press in the month
Dimensional quality	Stamped parts within tolerance on at least 98 percent of pieces each month
Stroke rate	Press run at the standard strokes per hour so the shift target is met
Rejection	Rejection from burr, crack or misfeed held below the monthly target
Die care	Die problems reported early so unplanned die downtime stays low
Machine checks	Daily press and guard checks completed on every shift

Skills and tools

Power press operationDie loading supportMaterial feedingStamping defect checksPress safety devicesDrawing readingAlertnessDiscipline

Tools used day to day: Power press, Stamping dies, Both-hand control and guards, Vernier and gauges, Lubricant applicator.

Reporting line and career path

Moves up from: Helper, Machine Operator, Production Trainee
Next roles: Press Setter, Die Fitter, Production Supervisor

Interview questions for a Press Operator

What safety devices do you use on a power press and why do both-hand controls matter?
How do you check a stamped part for burr and know when the die needs attention?
What is a misfeed or double strike and how do you prevent it?
How do you keep the stroke rate up without risking safety?
What daily checks do you make on the press before running?
Tell me about a time you stopped the press to prevent a defect or an accident.

Managing a Press Operator in ZeniaHR

AttendancePress operators work fixed or rotating shifts on the roster and punch at the gate biometric over ADMS. Because press work is safety critical, use late alerts so a tired or rushed start is avoided, and record approved extra hours as overtime.LeaveKeep trained press operators on each shift when granting leave, as untrained cover on a press is a safety risk. The leave calendar shows booked days, and weekly offs worked during a rush earn comp-off granted by HR.Performance and KRAsDuring probation the supervisor records a probation review rated 1 to 5 on press safety and quality, since safe habits come first. After confirmation, set safety and dimensional quality as goals in a quarterly review cycle.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a press operator do?

A press operator runs power presses for sheet metal stamping, blanking, bending or forming. They load or set the die, feed material, run the press to stroke, and check parts for burr, crack and dimension. They use both-hand controls and guards on every stroke and report die or material problems before they cause defects or downtime.

Why is safety so important for a press operator?

A power press applies great force in a fraction of a second, so any hand in the die area can be seriously injured. That is why press operators must use both-hand controls, light guards and safety devices on every stroke, do daily guard checks, and never bypass a safety device. Safe habits protect the operator and those nearby.

What qualifications do you need to be a press operator?

Most press operators hold an ITI or a tenth pass and are trained on the press with a safety sign-off before working alone. Employers look for alertness, discipline in using safety devices, accurate feeding, and the ability to check stamped parts and spot die problems. Experience on similar tonnage presses is valued.