Press Brake Operator

Title: Press Brake Operator Reports to: Shift Supervisor Employment Type: Non-Exempt Location: Indianapolis, IN Description A press brake operator is responsible for shaping and forming metal sheets and plates according to precise specifications. They work with industrial machinery, particularly press brakes, which utilize significant force to bend, fold, or shape metal into various angles and configurations. The operator sets up the machine by inputting the required measurements and angles, positions the metal piece accurately, and then controls the press brake to perform the bending operation. This role demands a keen understanding of metalworking principles, equipment operation, and quality assurance to produce accurately bent components used in a range of industries. Job Duties Machine Setup: Prepare the brake press for operation by selecting the appropriate tooling, installing dies, and making necessary adjustments to ensure accurate bending angles and dimensions. Offline Programming: Utilize your proficiency in offline programming to develop CNC programs for the brake presses. Translate engineering drawings and specifications into machine-readable programs to achieve precise bending operations. Material Inspection: Examine raw materials for defects or imperfections that could impact the bending process. Ensure that materials are of the required quality before initiating production. Tool Maintenance: Maintain and inspect tooling for wear, damage, and proper alignment. Replace or adjust tools as needed to maintain the quality and accuracy of bends. Production Operation: Operate Trumpf, Cincinnati, and Safan brake presses to bend, shape, and form metal components according to blueprints and work instructions. Quality Control: Use precision measurement devices such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to monitor the production process to verify that each component meets the specified dimensions and tolerances. Make necessary adjustments to machine settings if deviations are detected. Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines while operating the brake presses. Maintain a clean and organized work area to minimize safety hazards. Problem Solving: Troubleshoot any issues that arise during the production process, such as machine malfunctions or irregularities in the bending process. Collaborate with supervisors and maintenance personnel to resolve problems promptly. Documentation: Maintain accurate records of production output, machine settings, and any issues encountered during the process. Provide feedback to supervisors and engineering teams for process improvement. Continuous Improvement: Participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at improving production processes, tooling designs, and operational efficiency. Other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Technical or vocational training in metal fabrication or a related field is preferred. Proven experience as a Brake Press Operator, specifically with Trumpf, Cincinnati, and Safan brake presses. Proficiency in offline programming for CNC machines. Strong understanding of engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric tolerances. Knowledge of metal materials and their behavior during bending processes. Ability to perform accurate measurements using various tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team. Prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and meet production deadlines. Adherence to safety protocols and a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. (ADA) Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions: Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information related to job duties. Language Ability: Requires speaking with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice. Intelligence: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques related to administrative and clerical duties; to make independent judgments without supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Verbal Aptitude: The ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions. Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add, subtract, multiply, and divide figures. Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: talking, expressing, or exchanging ideas through spoken words. (Hearing – perceiving nature of sounds by ear) Physical lifting and movement: Ability to walk or stand 8-12 hours a day. Ability to lift, push, pull or move 50 pounds. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. Manual dexterity for precise adjustments and handling of components. Press Brake Operator (IN) #J-18808-Ljbffr