Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator Job Description

The Press Brake Operator sets up and operates CNC punch press and press brake equipment to produce high-quality sheet metal and aluminum parts according to precise specifications. This role involves preparing machines and tooling for production runs, performing adjustments and basic troubleshooting, and ensuring all parts meet established quality and dimensional standards. The operator works from work orders and production schedules, follows strict safety and PPE procedures, and collaborates closely with other team members to support continuous, high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC punch press and press brake equipment to produce parts that meet specified dimensions and quality requirements.

• Set up machines, tooling, and materials for production runs, including work typically performed by setup technicians.

• Load and unload sheet metal and aluminum materials safely and efficiently.

• Perform machine adjustments and basic troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance and minimize downtime.

• Read and follow work orders, production schedules, and documented quality requirements to complete jobs accurately and on time.

• Inspect finished parts to verify they meet quality standards and customer specifications.

• Use measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, and micrometers to confirm part dimensions and accuracy.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with facility standards.

• Follow all safety procedures and consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Work collaboratively with other operators, leads, and supervisors to meet production goals and support continuous production.

• Help identify and communicate process improvements that can reduce downtime and increase efficiency in a high-volume production environment.

• Use hand tools and equipment such as shears and other fabrication tools to support production and assembly tasks as needed.

• Perform machine set up in a fast-paced production environment while meeting quality and throughput expectations.

Essential Skills

• 13 years of experience as an operator in a manufacturing or production environment for operator-level roles.

• 35 years of experience in machine setup and operation in a production environment for setup operator-level roles.

• Hands-on experience with press brake operation in a sheet metal fabrication setting.

• Ability to operate CNC punch press equipment and perform basic setups.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints for fabrication and production work.

• Skilled use of measuring tools, including tape measures, calipers, and micrometers, to verify dimensions and tolerances.

• Experience working with sheet metal and aluminum materials in fabrication and production.

• Ability to perform machine set up in a production environment, including tooling changes and material preparation.

• Comfort using hand tools and fabrication equipment, including shears, for cutting and forming materials.

• Capability to work in a high-volume production environment while maintaining quality and safety standards.

• Physical ability to use hands frequently throughout the shift and to stand, bend, stoop, twist, and turn as required.

• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

• Adequate vision (20/20 with or without correction) to read blueprints, inspect parts, and operate machinery safely.

• Consistent adherence to safety procedures and proper use of PPE in a production setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in sheet metal fabrication beyond basic operation, including forming and finishing processes.

• Background in CNC punch press operation and setup for various part types and materials.

• Turret punch press operation experience.

• Laser cutting equipment operation or setup experience.

• Familiarity with Amada or Prima Power equipment.

• Prior work in manufacturing environments with high-volume output and tight production schedules.

• Strong blueprint reading skills for complex parts and assemblies.

• Experience in assembly tasks related to fabricated components.

• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and communicate them to team members.

• Comfort working extended hours and occasional Saturdays when production demands require.

Why Work Here?

You join a production-focused team that values safety, precision, and collaboration in a modern fabrication environment. The operation offers consistent full-time hours with opportunities for overtime, allowing you to grow your skills on advanced CNC and press brake equipment while contributing to high-volume, quality-driven manufacturing. You work alongside experienced professionals who support continuous improvement and provide hands-on learning opportunities, helping you advance your technical capabilities and career in metal fabrication.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing and production facility that focuses on high-volume sheet metal and aluminum fabrication. Work is performed on CNC punch presses, press brakes, turret punch presses, laser cutting equipment, shears, and various hand tools in a fast-paced environment. The standard workweek is 40 hours, but employees frequently work more than 10 hours per day with occasional Saturdays, and overtime is common. First shift generally runs in the morning through the afternoon, with overtime often extending the shift into late afternoon. Second shift typically runs from approximately 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with current overtime potentially extending the workday into early morning hours. Schedule changes are expected, including the possibility that overtime will move to the beginning of the shift. The facility requires the use of hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and safety belts, and employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Glendale Heights, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $37400.00 - $52000.00/yr.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Glendale Heights, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Glendale Heights,IL.

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.