Press Brake Programmer/Operator (3rd Shift)

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can make an immediate impact in a fast-paced, growing West Michigan company? Do you enjoy metal fabrication and want to grow your skills? If so,  Impact Fab could be a great fit for you. We are seeking a 3rd Press Brake Programmer/Operator to join our team.

Work Schedule: 8:00 pm - 6:30 am Monday night - Friday morning with a long weekend every week

Position Summary

This role is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating press brakes to produce accurate, high-quality formed parts. The mid-level operator is expected to work independently on standard jobs, troubleshoot basic issues, and support flow on the floor without constant oversight.

This is not a “button pusher” role — this is a thinking operator who understands bend sequences, material behavior, and how their work impacts downstream welding and assembly.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Setup

• Determine proper bend sequence, tooling selection, and tonnage requirements
• Set up machines efficiently to minimize downtime and changeover time
• Verify first-piece accuracy before releasing to production

Operation

• Operate press brake to form parts to print specifications
• Adjust programs and setups as needed to maintain quality
• Monitor part quality throughout the run (angles, dimensions, flatness)

Print & Part Interpretation

• Read and interpret blueprints, including:
  • Bend callouts
  • Tolerances
  • GD&T basics (as applicable)
• Understand how forming affects downstream processes (fit-up, welding)

Quality & Accountability

• Perform in-process inspections using calipers, angle gauges, etc.
• Document required checks per job traveler or print
• Identify and stop production on nonconforming parts
• Work with Quality (Jeff/inspection team) when issues arise

Continuous Improvement

• Suggest improvements to bend sequences, tooling, and setups
• Reduce scrap and rework through better process control
• Support lean initiatives (5S, setup reduction, flow improvement)

Team Support

• Assist less experienced operators when needed
• Communicate clearly with upstream (laser) and downstream (weld) teams
• Maintain clean and organized work area

Successful candidates will have:

Experience

• 3–7 years press brake operation experience in a fabrication environment
• Experience programming CNC press brakes (not just running parts)
• Familiar with a variety of materials (steel, stainless, aluminum)

Technical Skills

• Strong blueprint reading skills
• Solid understanding of:
  • Bend allowance / bend deduction
  • Grain direction
  • Springback
• Comfortable using basic inspection tools

Preferred (Not Required, But Valuable)

• Experience with offline programming software (e.g., AutoPOL, VPSS, RADAN)
• GD&T familiarity
• Experience in job shop / high-mix, low-volume environment

Performance Expectations (How You’ll Be Measured)

• Quality: Parts meet print without rework
• Productivity: Jobs completed within estimated time
• Setup Efficiency: Reduced setup and changeover time
• Scrap Reduction: Minimal material waste
• Ownership: Solves problems without waiting to be told

Impact Fab is a custom fabrication shop located in Holland, Michigan. We specialize in short run productions; machine build and part prototyping. Our commitment to quality service, quality parts, and genuine respect have earned us the loyalty of our customers and a prominent place in the design for manufacturing market.

If this sounds like a position for you and we are the kind of company you see yourself with, apply today for immediate consideration! To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at