Press Brake Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Press Brake Operator – 2nd Shift Lead

Job Description

This role combines hands-on operation of press brake and laser equipment with lead responsibilities on the second shift. You will run and oversee machines, support other operators, and help keep production flowing efficiently in a busy metal fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate press brake and/or laser machines as a working operator, running and overseeing the machine while it is in use.
• Serve as the lead point of contact on second shift for routine issues and questions, helping resolve smaller problems so they do not escalate.
• Support basic administrative and shift coordination tasks such as assisting with clocking in and out, organizing break schedules, and managing urgent emails and material issues.
• Keep the team on task and productive throughout the shift, providing general oversight and guidance to other shift operators and product generalists.
• Perform production operations related to cutting and forming metal materials including stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel.
• Stand for 8–10 hours per shift while performing machine operation and production duties.
• Lift and move materials weighing approximately 50–75 pounds as part of daily production tasks.
• Operate forklifts (sit-down) and overhead cranes to move materials and finished parts safely around the shop.
• Use various hand tools to support fabrication, assembly, and secondary processes.
• Operate or support various CNC equipment and machines during downtime or as needed to maintain workflow.
• Clear parts from skeletons, count and palletize components, and ensure parts are organized and ready for downstream processes.
• Perform hardware insertion and pemming operations as required by production orders.
• Assemble parts and products and carry out secondary processes to meet production specifications.
• Assist with basic equipment maintenance and perform shop cleanup as needed or as directed to maintain a safe and orderly work area.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating a press brake or laser machine, or other CNC machinery, in a production or fabrication environment.
• Ability to run and oversee machines without needing to perform programming, working effectively with pre-set machine setups.
• Understanding of basic measurements and the ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures accurately.
• Capability to stand for 8–10 hours per shift and to lift 50–75 pounds safely and consistently.
• Previous experience operating sit-down forklifts, or strong willingness to learn with training provided.
• Comfort working with stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel materials in a fabrication setting.
• Strong self-starter mindset with the ability to stay busy, take initiative, and maintain productivity without constant supervision.
• Ability to provide oversight and informal leadership on a shift, including handling minor issues, coordinating breaks, and keeping the team engaged.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with machine operation, production processes, and the use of hand tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating press brakes, laser machines, or other CNC fabrication equipment in a metal manufacturing environment.
• Background in fabrication or production work involving cutting, forming, and assembling metal components.
• Experience with hardware insertion, pemming, and secondary operations in a fabrication shop.
• Comfort operating overhead cranes and other material-handling equipment.
• Prior experience in a lead, point-of-contact, or informal supervisory role on a production shift.
• Ability to multitask between machine operation, oversight responsibilities, and support tasks such as counting, palletizing, and assembly.
• Willingness to work second shift hours and to complete initial training on first shift for up to 90 days, depending on learning pace.
• Strong communication skills to handle urgent emails, coordinate with other team members, and address material or process issues promptly.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, long-tenured team where many employees have built 20–30 year careers, reflecting a culture that genuinely values and supports its people. The company offers solid starting pay, standard benefits, paid time off, and additional details on insurance, retirement plans, and paid holidays during the interview process. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity that provides a clear path to long-term employment and growth as the organization continues to expand and plans for additional shifts. Overtime is available, with Saturday work requested rather than required, supporting a more balanced approach to work and personal time.

Work Environment

This position is based on a manufacturing floor that is not temperature controlled. In warmer months, large industrial fans and open bay doors help with airflow, while the heat generated by laser machines keeps the facility relatively comfortable during winter. The shop operates with five laser machines and four press brakes, creating an active fabrication environment. The role is on second shift, typically running from 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with training potentially on first shift for up to 90 days depending on how quickly you learn the tasks. The future goal is to operate traditional first, second, and third shifts; currently, there are approximately 12 people on first shift and 4–5 people on second shift. The schedule includes two 10-minute breaks and one 20-minute break each shift. The dress code is laid back, with the expectation of practical work attire (no sweatpants or mesh shorts), and all required personal protective equipment is provided. The environment is hands-on, with regular use of forklifts, overhead cranes, and various hand tools as part of daily operations.

For immediate consideration, or for more information, please contact Matt Tischbein at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com. or apply today! Thanks!

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lebanon, PA.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Lebanon,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.