Press Brake Operator

Job Summary
Operate CNC press brakes to form carbon steel plate and sheet to specification for a steel service center / mill environment. Select tooling, set up programs, and make precision bends on parts ranging from light gauge sheet to heavy plate while meeting safety, quality, and throughput expectations. Schedule: Fulltime; 1st or 2nd shift; shifts up to 12 hours, Monday–Saturday, as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and traveler/cut lists; verify grade, thickness, and heat/lot identification before processing.
• Set up press brake (tool selection, die alignment, backgauge setup, program entry/offsets); perform firstarticle inspections and hold tolerances per drawing.
• Execute safe, efficient forming of steel components (flanges, channels, brackets, plate parts), making realtime adjustments for springback, tooling wear, and material variation.
• Use precision measuring tools (calipers, protractors, height gauges, tape) to verify angles and dimensions; document QC checks in ERP/routers.
• Handle material using overhead crane and/or forklift to load/unload and stage WIP; tag parts with heat numbers and work order info for traceability.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance (wipedown, lubrication, tooling inspection) and request service for mechanical/electrical issues.
• Maintain housekeeping (5S) and follow all safety procedures, including pinchpoint awareness and lockout/tagout when required.
• Support other production tasks (shear, saw, burning, packaging) when needed to meet schedule.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year press brake experience (CNC preferred) in a steel fabrication or servicecenter setting.
• Ability to read blueprints and use precision measurement tools.
• Proficient with material handling and safe rigging; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/bend for extended periods.
• Comfortable working 1st or 2nd shift with overtime up to 12hour shifts, Monday–Saturday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience forming heavy plate and long parts using staged tooling and multiplehit sequences.
• Familiarity with ERP scanning and heatnumber traceability.
• Additional equipment skills (shear, plasma/oxyfuel, forklift, overhead crane certifications).

Safety Focus
Strict adherence to machine guarding, pinchpoint controls, PPE, and crane/forklift safety. Report hazards, near misses, and equipment issues immediately.

Note: Duties and qualifications listed are representative, not exhaustive. Team members may be asked to perform other tasks to meet customer and safety requirements.