Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating press brake machines while supporting a wide range of metal fabrication activities, including turret punches, lasers, and water jets. You work with LVD, Safan, and Pullmax press brakes, performing cutting, punching, and forming operations according to work orders and engineering drawings. The position requires a hands-on, team-oriented individual who is comfortable assisting wherever needed in a busy fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC fabrication equipment, including water jet, laser cutting, turret punch, and press brake machines.

• Perform material cutting, punching, and forming operations in accordance with work orders, shop travelers, and engineering drawings.

• Load and unload sheet metal, plate, and other raw materials onto machine tables or material handling systems.

• Select appropriate tooling, dies, and machine programs for each job based on specifications and material requirements.

• Read and interpret blueprints, flat patterns, and forming requirements to ensure accurate fabrication.

• Adjust machine parameters to maintain dimensional accuracy, tight tolerances, and consistent part quality.

• Inspect completed parts using calipers, protractors, gauges, and other precision measuring tools to verify conformance.

• Safely handle materials throughout fabrication processes to prevent damage and reduce risk of injury.

• Operate manual fabrication equipment such as saws, drills, grinders, and tapping equipment as needed.

• Maintain part traceability and shop traveler integrity throughout all fabrication steps.

• Label, stage, and prepare completed parts for downstream welding or electrical assembly operations.

• Perform routine machine cleaning and basic troubleshooting to keep equipment in good working condition.

• Record production data and part counts accurately within shop floor tracking systems.

• Report material shortages, equipment issues, or quality concerns promptly to supervision.

• Collaborate with team members and assist in other fabrication tasks as needed to support production goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience setting up and operating water jets, laser cutters, turret punches, and press brake machines.

• Proficiency in operating press brake equipment, including LVD, Safan, and Pullmax machines or similar brands.

• Ability to select correct tooling, dies, and machine programs for each job.

• Strong blueprint reading skills and ability to interpret flat patterns and forming requirements.

• Ability to adjust machine parameters to maintain dimensional accuracy and part quality.

• Experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers, protractors, and gauges for part inspection.

• Basic understanding of metal types, thicknesses, and forming characteristics.

• Ability to safely handle sheet metal, plate, and other raw materials in a fabrication environment.

• Capability to operate manual fabrication equipment such as saws, drills, grinders, and tapping equipment.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily duties.

• Attention to detail in maintaining part traceability and accurate production records.

• Team-oriented mindset and willingness to help wherever needed in the shop.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with CNC fabrication equipment in a production or job-shop environment.

• Familiarity with shop travelers and shop floor tracking systems.

• Comfort working with slightly older but well-maintained fabrication machinery.

• Strong problem-solving skills for basic machine troubleshooting.

• Good communication skills for reporting material, equipment, or quality issues.

• Organizational skills for staging, labeling, and preparing parts for downstream processes.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a supportive, small-company environment that values cross-training and skill development, offering the chance to grow in multiple areas of fabrication. The organization provides a 4% 401(k) company match, Blue Cross Blue Shield health benefits with a substantial contribution toward single coverage, and six paid holidays annually. The family-owned culture promotes teamwork, stability, and long-term career growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small, family-owned fabrication shop that operates CNC equipment such as water jets, laser cutters, turret punches, and press brakes, including LVD, Safan, and Pullmax machines. You work directly with sheet metal, plate, and various metals, using both automated and manual equipment like saws, drills, grinders, and tapping tools. The environment is hands-on and production-focused, with an emphasis on safety, teamwork, and flexibility in assisting across different fabrication processes. Standard shop attire suitable for a metal fabrication environment is expected, and the work involves regular material handling and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and 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 Inver Grove Heights,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.