Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator Job Description This role operates an industrial press brake on 2nd or 3rd shift within a manufacturing facility to form metal stock according to customer specifications. The Press Brake Operator Level 1 reads and interprets blueprints, sets up and runs the press brake with correct machine and die settings, and consistently meets or exceeds quality, safety, and productivity standards. Responsibilities Locate and verify that the correct material is delivered to the work center before beginning work. Inspect and confirm that the press brake and related equipment are functioning properly prior to and during operation. Ensure that the appropriate nesting program is loaded and delivered to the work center for each job. Verify that the nesting program matches the blueprint and work order requirements. Set and monitor correct gas, speed, and consumables for each job to achieve accurate and consistent forming results. Read and interpret blueprints and work orders to determine bend sequence, tooling, and machine settings. Accurately project and communicate the completion time of work orders at the work center. Complete all assigned work orders correctly and on time, maintaining required quality standards. Stage completed jobs properly and in the correct sequence to support efficient downstream operations. Use measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and other gauges to verify part dimensions and tolerances. Perform machine setup for the press brake, including selecting and installing tooling, dies, and backgauge settings. Operate related equipment such as punch presses, shear presses, and forklifts as needed to support production. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including regular housekeeping of the work center. Monitor parts and equipment during production and promptly report any issues, malfunctions, or safety concerns to supervision. Follow all shop safety procedures, including proper handling of materials and use of personal protective equipment. Assist with basic troubleshooting and adjustments to improve part quality and machine performance. Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned to support overall fabrication and production goals. Essential Skills At least 1 year of experience operating a press brake in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. Demonstrated ability to set up and operate an industrial press brake, including selecting and installing appropriate tooling and dies. General knowledge of plate bending operations and forming processes. Ability to read and understand blueprints, prints, and work orders to determine required dimensions and bend sequences. Ability to read and use measuring devices such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring tools. Experience with CNC press brake operation and basic machine setup. Ability to indicate vices and properly secure workpieces for accurate forming. Basic machine operation skills, including use of punch presses, shear presses, and related fabrication equipment. Ability to work safely in a fabrication shop environment, including handling heavy materials and equipment. Capability to lift up to 100 pounds and stand for prolonged periods, with frequent bending, kneeling, and stooping. Reliable attendance and ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift as scheduled. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience reading and interpreting detailed blueprints and schematics for sheet metal and plate fabrication. Hands‑on experience with sheet metal work, including forming, bending, and assembly. Familiarity with CNC programming or nesting programs for press brake operations. Experience using forklifts to move materials and finished parts within a shop environment. Comfort working with various measuring tools and gauges to verify tolerances and quality. Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are preferred. Strong attention to detail, quality‑focused mindset, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple work orders, and meet production deadlines. Why Work Here? This opportunity offers full‑time employment with access to comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and retirement savings with employer contribution. Team members can earn additional rewards through company incentives, role‑based bonus potential, and referral bonuses. The organization celebrates commitment and performance with special recognition programs such as luncheons with prizes and Iron Man/Woman awards that include a cash bonus. Benefits become available after a short waiting period as a full‑time employee, and paid time off accrues after an initial tenure milestone. Employees on 2nd shift may also be eligible for a shift differential when hired as full‑time, supporting both financial stability and long‑term career growth. Work Environment The role is based in a fabrication shop environment with typical shop conditions, including exposure to noise, dust, and other industrial elements. Work is performed primarily on 2nd or 3rd shift, operating industrial press brakes and related equipment such as punch presses, shear presses, and forklifts. The position requires standing for prolonged periods, frequent bending, kneeling, and stooping, and the ability to lift up to 100 pounds. Employees work around heavy machinery, sheet metal, and plate materials, and are expected to follow all safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment. The environment is production‑focused, with an emphasis on maintaining a clean, organized work center and collaborating with others to meet daily fabrication and delivery goals. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Worth, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/hr. Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident & Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Fort Worth, TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026. Equal Opportunity Statement The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek