CNC Turret Punch Press Specialist
CNC Punch Press Technician Location: Baltimore, MD Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Starting Pay: From $20.00 per hour Position Overview We are seeking an experienced CNC Punch Press Technician to join a growing sheet metal fabrication team. This position is responsible for setting up and operating CNC turret punch press equipment to manufacture high-quality metal components while meeting production, quality, and safety standards. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with complete machine setups, blueprint interpretation, tooling changes, and precision inspection in a manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities Machine Setup & Production
Set up and operate CNC turret punch press equipment.
Complete machine setups, including tooling installation, alignment, and program verification.
Load and unload sheet metal safely.
Verify material type, thickness, grain direction, and finish before production.
Perform first-piece inspections before releasing jobs.
Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality and productivity.
Remove finished parts carefully to prevent damage.
Deburr parts as needed or move them to secondary operations.
Maximize sheet utilization and minimize material waste.
Blueprint Interpretation
Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and manufacturing instructions.
Verify dimensions, tolerances, and drawing revisions before production.
Understand sheet metal features, including:
Embosses
Louvers
Extrusions
Countersinks
Hardware locations
Bend reliefs
Hole placement requirements
Quality Inspection
Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections.
Inspect parts using tape measures, calipers, and inspection templates.
Verify dimensions, hole locations, formed features, and overall part quality.
Report drawing discrepancies or production concerns before continuing work.
Ensure finished parts meet cosmetic and dimensional specifications.
Production Support
Label and track work-in-process throughout manufacturing.
Organize completed parts by job and operation.
Complete production documentation accurately.
Maintain an organized work area to support efficient workflow.
Equipment Maintenance
Perform daily startup and shutdown inspections.
Clean machines, tooling, and work areas.
Inspect punches, dies, and tooling for wear or damage.
Report hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, or tooling issues promptly.
Assist with preventive maintenance activities as needed.
Follow all workplace safety procedures.
Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience operating CNC turret punch press equipment.
3+ years of machine setup experience.
3+ years reading blueprints and engineering drawings.
3+ years using precision measuring equipment.
3+ years working with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
Ability to independently complete machine setups.
Experience changing, maintaining, and troubleshooting punch tooling.
Knowledge of tooling selection, punch clearances, and sheet layout optimization.
Ability to read manufacturing documentation and work instructions.
Forklift experience is a plus.
Preferred Equipment Experience Experience operating one or more of the following:
Trumpf TruPunch
Amada Pega
Prima Power
Finn-Power
Salvagnini
Comparable CNC turret punch press systems
Preferred Equipment Experience Experience operating one or more of the following:
Trumpf TruPunch
Amada Pega
Prima Power
Finn-Power
Salvagnini
Comparable CNC turret punch press systems
Skills Strong mechanical aptitude
Blueprint reading and interpretation
Turret punch tooling setup and maintenance
Machine, tooling, and program troubleshooting
Attention to detail
Good communication and organizational skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Physical Requirements Stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
Frequently bend, reach, and lift during production.
Lift up to 50 pounds.
Safely handle sheet metal and finished components.
What Success Looks Like Successful employees consistently demonstrate:
Accurate first-piece inspections
High machine utilization and productivity
Low scrap and rework rates
Proper tooling selection and maintenance
On-time completion of production schedules
Quality parts that meet engineering specifications
Accurate production records
Safe operation of equipment and adherence to workplace safety standards