Brake Press Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:
Redefining mobility since 1987
Leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Nationwide, family-owned & operated, headquartered in Battle Creek, MI

What You'll Do:

Running the Machine

• Set up and operate hydraulic, mechanical, or CNC press brake equipment
• Select the right tooling and dies for each job
• Program or adjust CNC controls to hit required bend angles and tolerances
• Run test bends and fine-tune settings before going into full production

Keeping Quality High

• Work from blueprints, drawings, and job travelers to produce parts to spec
• Use calipers, angle gauges, and other measuring tools to check your work
• Spot and flag any defects, bad bends, or out-of-tolerance parts
• Keep production records and document any scrap or quality issues

Working Safely

• Follow all shop safety rules and wear your PPE every time, no exceptions
• Do a pre-shift equipment check before firing up the machine
• Keep your area clean, organized, and free of hazards
• Report any equipment problems or safety concerns right away

Pitching In

• Help with basic machine maintenance and preventive care
• Share what you know help newer operators get up to speed
• Speak up if you see a smarter way to do something

Education, Skills, and Abilities

• GED/High School Diploma
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks/projects at one time
• Mechanically inclined, works well with hands, hand tools, and small power tools.
• Able to read and understand blueprints, drawings and detailed work instructions.
• Able to properly use fixtures and jigs.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds
• CNC machine operation experience preferred

Typical Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:00AM - 4:30PM, 10 hour shift

Job Type: Full-time

Pay Frequency: Bi weekly

Starting Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Our wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions give our customers the freedom to live life on their own terms. As a Brake Press Operator , you will be responsible for the press operation for the parts fabrication process for the wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions we produce while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. This is hands-on, detail-driven work that directly impacts the independence and quality of life for our customers.

What You'll Do: C

• Operate presses to bend, shape, or punch holes in material per instructions and drawings.
• Monitor machine operations to ensure quality standards are met and are to print.
• Inspect finished products for defects and ensure they meet quality standards
• Drill holes in parts as needed using a drill press or hand tools.
• Bend tabs and light weight material by hand using jigs, fixtures, and/or hand tools
• Assist with Parts Weld, Assembly, Press, or Plasma Table as needed
• Assist with troubleshooting and participate in process improvement as needed
• Use hand and power tools including, but not limited to, ratchets, wire strippers, snips, soldering irons, impact tools, air tools, etc.
• Maintain equipment, inspect for performance and/or safety concerns, and perform troubleshooting as needed.
• Maintain compliance with Freedom Motors quality and safety standards, policies and procedures, and OSHA safety regulations.
• Ability to read wiring schematics and diagrams and follow both written and verbal work instructions.
• Assist other areas as needed.

What You'll Need:

• GED/High School Diploma
• 2+ years running a press brake or working in metal fab preferred.
• Can read blueprints and work orders without much hand-holding
• Comfortable with calipers, angle gauges, and other precision tools
• Understands how different metals bend and how to calculate bend allowance
• Detail-oriented you care whether the part is right
• Able to stand for a full shift and lift up to 50 lbs
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Outstanding attendance record and reliability.

Who We Want:

• Detail-Driven Technicians: Individuals who take pride in precise, high-quality work and understand that accuracy in the parts department directly impacts the safety and reliability of every vehicle we build.
• Safety-First Professionals: Team members who are committed to safety and proactively identify and address potential hazards.
• Problem-Solving Achievers: Self-motivated individuals who can apply critical thinking to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges efficiently.
• Mission-Driven Contributors: People who are passionate about the work we do, building vehicles that give individuals greater independence and mobility, and will bring that sense of purpose to the production floor every day.
• Reliable Team Players: You show up, follow through, and support the people around you contributing to a culture of accountability and excellence.

This job description is meant to provide an overview of the duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing.