Press Operator in Houston, Texas at Hanwha Materials Savannah LLC

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Manufacturing -Forging

Location: Houston, TX

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Hanwha Materials, in Houston, Texas, is a trusted supplier of high-technology materials for the aerospace and industrial sectors. The company specializes in high-performance alloys and precision-engineered parts such as disks, cases, seals, airfoils, and structural components, serving leading global engine manufacturers including Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, GE Aerospace and Hanwha Aerospace.

With strong expertise in materials technology, cutting-edge manufacturing, and strict quality assurance, Hanwha Materials delivers products that ensure reliability, efficiency, and durability in the most demanding applications. Guided by a vision of shaping the future with advanced materials, the company is committed to innovation, global competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

In recognition of its strong global presence and achievements, Our parent company Hanwha Group ranked 372nd on the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Press Operator is responsible for overseeing the 5000-ton hydraulic forging press operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role focuses on the critical initial hot working of the material—upsetting and piercing heated billets to create the structural blanks required for the ring rolling mill. The Press Operator works closely with plant leadership to drive operational excellence, improve productivity, and maintain high standards of safety and quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plant Operations & Equipment Control

• Operate the 5000T hydraulic press, coordinating closely with manipulator operators or crane riggers to position hot metal precisely.
• Execute upsetting and piercing operations to transform solid billets into hollow blanks while keeping the punch perfectly centered.
• Control press tonnage, stroke speed, and dwell times to achieve the desired dimensional targets.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

2. Tooling Setup & Process Control

• Select, inspect, and install the correct saddles, punches, and dies for the scheduled work orders.
• Monitor material temperature continuously during the forging cycle to ensure pieces are worked within the correct window.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency and reduce downtime.

3. Safety & Communication

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to OSHA and company safety policies.
• Direct floor personnel and use standard hand signals or radio communication to maintain a safe hazard zone around the press.
• Maintain a positive and accountable work environment.

4. Continuous Improvement & Maintenance

• Ensure 5s implementation and maintaining them.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Coordinate with maintenance team to ensure equipment reliability and preventive maintenance execution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2-5 years of heavy industrial or plant operations experience.
• Experience in metal working, forging, industrial manufacturing, or similar environment preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Solid understanding of production processes, maintenance, and safety practices.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of 5s and lean manufacturing.
• Bilingual (English/Korean or English/Spanish) is a plus but not required.