Press Brake Operator

Job Description Job Description Press Brake Operator - Aurora, IL 8:30AM - 5PM MONDAY-FRIDAY $25-$27/hr *CAN INTERVIEW THIS WEEK* Job Description This role involves setting up and operating a wide variety of fabrication equipment, with a primary focus on press brakes, to produce high-quality metal components in an ISO-controlled environment. The Press Brake Operator reads and interprets blueprints and shop orders, performs precise measurements and quality checks, and ensures all parts meet specified dimensions and standards. The position requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a positive, can-do attitude while working safely and efficiently in a fast-paced fabrication department. Responsibilities Set up and operate a wide variety of fabrication equipment, with a primary focus on press brakes. Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, shop orders, drawings, routings, and set-up sheets. Use squares, tape measures, and calipers to perform accurate quality checks on parts and finished products. Perform quality control on finished products in an ISO environment and document all in-process specifications. Supervise and inspect the work of operators to ensure adherence to quality and production standards. Verify that the correct raw materials or work-in-progress materials are used for each job. Bend stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum to specified dimensions, including joggling as required. Determine proper tooling to make progressive bends and request tooling when needed. Calculate and apply appropriate tonnage and k-factors for all bends to ensure accurate forming. Operate and maintain press brakes, including Cincinnati and Trumpf machines, and apply appropriate tooling for each machine. Use working knowledge of tapping, timesaver, punch press, drilling, and insertion equipment to support fabrication tasks. Apply working knowledge of Haas and threading machines as needed in the fabrication process. Set and run jobs in the fabrication department, ensuring efficiency and adherence to job specifications. Maintain proper stacking and care of parts throughout the fabrication process to prevent damage or mix-ups. Produce prototypes and complete necessary inspection forms in a timely manner. Identify and report machine issues such as air or oil leaks to the lead person or supervisor promptly. Complete all required paperwork and time clock reporting associated with work performed. Communicate clearly with quality, engineering, and product development teams when clarification or collaboration is needed. Follow all safety procedures and perform job duties in a safe and effective manner. Perform other duties as assigned to support overall production and fabrication operations. Essential Skills Proven experience as a Press Brake Operator, including set-up and operation in a fabrication environment. Working knowledge of press brakes, including Cincinnati and Trumpf machines, and the associated tooling for each machine. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, shop orders, drawings, routings, and set-up sheets. Proficiency in using squares, tape measures, and calipers for precise measurements and quality checks. Working knowledge of tapping, timesaver, punch press, drilling, and insertion equipment. Working knowledge of Haas and threading machines. Ability to bend stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum accurately to specified dimensions. Ability to determine proper tooling for progressive bends and calculate tonnage and k-factors for all bends. Knowledge of 2, 4, and 6 axis back gauging for press brake operations. Capability to perform quality control in an ISO environment and document in-process specifications. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards. Ability to supervise and inspect operators work to ensure compliance with specifications. Clear communication skills for interacting with quality, engineering, and product development teams. Positive, can-do attitude and reliability in completing assigned tasks. Ability to safely perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, stooping, gripping, and reaching for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs without assistance and up to 70 lbs with assistance. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience operating CNC press brakes and related CNC fabrication equipment. Hands-on experience with machine set-up and machine operation in a fabrication department. Familiarity with producing prototypes and completing inspection forms in a production environment. Experience working within ISO quality systems and following documented procedures. Comfort working with non-climate-controlled and non-dust-controlled production areas. Willingness and ability to work overtime, including weekends, when required. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment such as safety shoes, Tyvek suits, gloves, glasses, and respirators. Why Work Here? You will join a professional fabrication environment where craftsmanship, precision, and quality are highly valued. The organization promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to expand your technical skills across a wide range of fabrication equipment and processes. You will work with supportive colleagues and cross-functional teams, gain experience with ISO-quality standards, and contribute directly to producing high-quality products in a stable and structured work setting. Work Environment This role is based in a fabrication department operating Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the possibility of overtime, including weekends, based on production needs. The position requires standing, bending, stooping, gripping, reaching, and similar physical activities for 8+ hour shifts. You must be able to lift up to 30 lbs without assistance and up to 70 lbs with assistance from floor to waist, waist to shoulder, and above shoulder height. Work takes place in non-climate-controlled and non-dust-controlled areas, typical of an industrial fabrication setting. You will regularly work with press brakes, punch presses, tapping and drilling equipment, timesavers, insertion machines, Haas and threading machines, and multi-axis back gauging systems. The role requires wearing appropriate safety equipment, including safety shoes, Tyvek suits, gloves, safety glasses, and respirators, in accordance with established safety procedures. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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