Press Brake Operator

CNC Press Brake Operator (Senior)

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Press Brake Operator to join a high-mix, precision metal fabrication environment utilizing manual and hydraulic press brakes. This role is intended for a seasoned professional with 10+ years of hands-on press brake experience who can independently set up and run complex forming operations without reliance on CNC automation or CAM programming. The ideal candidate understands forming fundamentals, can interpret detailed fabrication drawings, manually develop flat patterns, select tooling, and produce repeatable, dimensionally accurate parts in both prototype and production settings. This position plays a critical role in meeting quality, delivery, and compliance requirements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently set up and operate manual and hydraulic press brakes to form ferrous and non-ferrous materials to tight tolerances.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, bend notes, and specifications, including GD&T where applicable.
• Manually develop bend sequences to avoid collisions, distortion, and part interference.
• Calculate and verify flat patterns, bend allowances, and bend deductions based on material type, thickness, grain direction, and tooling selection.
• Select, stage, and configure press brake tooling (punches, dies, back gauges, stops) appropriate for each job.
• Manually calculate tonnage requirements using charts, experience, and shop standards to ensure safe and accurate forming.
• Adjust ram depth, pressure, and tooling setup to achieve correct bend angles and compensate for springback.
• Perform multi-hit bends and large-radius forming as required.
• Build or modify temporary dies, spacers, fixtures, and stops to support non-standard forming operations.
• Perform first-article inspections and in-process checks using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, squares, angle gauges, etc.).
• Troubleshoot forming issues including springback, material distortion, inconsistent angles, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Maintain strict adherence to quality standards, travelers, and job documentation.
• Support downstream operations by ensuring parts are formed accurately for welding, assembly, or finishing.
• Perform routine machine checks, basic preventative maintenance, and promptly report mechanical or tooling issues.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following all safety and compliance procedures.
• Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and fellow operators to meet production schedules and resolve technical challenges.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of verifiable, hands-on press brake experience, with significant time on manual or hydraulic press brakes.
• Proven ability to run jobs independently from prints, without reliance on CNC sequencing or pre-programmed automation.
• Must be able to pass a flat-pattern and bend-calculation test administered by shop leadership.
• Strong understanding of material behavior, including springback, bend radii, tonnage requirements, and tooling limitations.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools and inspection techniques.
• Demonstrated experience working in high-mix / low-volume and production environments.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize work without disrupting shop flow.
• Must supply personal trade tools (calipers, clamps, layout tools, etc.).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to a team environment.

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience operating Cincinnati Form Master hydraulic press brakes, including 90-ton (10') and 60-ton (4') configurations.
• Background working on manual or semi-manual hydraulic press brakes where bend sequencing, tonnage calculation, and setup logic are developed by the operator rather than CNC automation.
• Experience setting and adjusting manual or numeric-readout backgauges between bends to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Familiarity with older-style, non-segmented press brake tooling, including manual punch and die selection based on material type and bend requirements.
• Experience performing manual springback compensation through ram depth adjustment, over-bending, and trial bends.
• Ability to perform multi-hit bending and large-radius forming without CNC radius programming.
• Experience operating a power roller (approximately 48") for forming cylindrical or curved sheet metal components.
• Background in high-mix, custom, or job-shop fabrication environments supporting aerospace, defense, electronics, or industrial OEM applications.