Press Brake Operator

Press Brake Operator

This role focuses on operating press brake and laser equipment to produce high-quality metal components in a small-shop, team-oriented environment. You will perform basic setups, handle material loading and unloading, and ensure accurate documentation in a computerized inventory system while maintaining strong attention to quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate press brake equipment to produce metal parts according to specifications and production requirements.
• Cross-train and operate laser equipment, and support plasma operations as needed.
• Perform basic setups and changeovers between different production parts, including adjusting tooling and machine settings.
• Load and unload bar stock and finished parts safely and efficiently during production runs.
• Read and interpret blueprints and job traveling paperwork to understand dimensions, tolerances, and job requirements.
• Use a computerized inventory system to input job numbers, quantities, scrap, and other production data accurately.
• Work with sheet metal, shear, and other metal fabrication tools as needed to support production.
• Measure and inspect parts using tape measures and other basic measuring tools to verify quality.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Collaborate with a small team of 23 people to meet production goals and support cross-training within the shop.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of experience operating a press brake or laser.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
• Experience working with metal fabrication, including sheet metal and related processes.
• Ability to perform basic press brake setups and changeovers.
• Proficiency using a tape measure and other basic measuring tools.
• High attention to quality and safety detail in a production environment.
• Basic computer literacy to enter and track data in a computerized inventory system.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and lift 25 lbs consistently.
• Willingness to cross train on laser and plasma equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with multiple metal fabrication machines, such as press brakes, lasers, shears, and related equipment.
• Prior experience working from job travelers or similar production paperwork.
• Comfort working in a small, team-based metal shop environment.
• Interest in expanding skills across different fabrication processes.
• Ability to adapt to varying production needs and support different workstations as required.

Why Work Here?

You will join a shop that combines a small-town, family-like atmosphere with supportive and approachable leadership. The culture emphasizes teamwork, mutual respect, and a collaborative work style rather than a rigid or traditional metal shop environment. As you expand your skills and gain experience on additional machines and setups, you have the opportunity to grow your earning potential and develop a well-rounded fabrication skill set.

Work Environment

This position is based in a metal shop environment where you will work closely with a small team of 23 people and rotate between different machines as needed. The shop has a strong family feel, and coworkers maintain positive, supportive relationships. Standard hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with additional work on Fridays as needed. The role involves regular handling of metal materials and operating press brake, laser, and other fabrication equipment in an industrial setting. Steel-toed boots are required as part of the dress code to ensure safety on the shop floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hawley, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hawley, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.