Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Job Description

This role involves setting up and operating CNC press brake equipment to perform precision sheet metal fabrication in a high-volume, fast-paced production environment. You will work with various machines and tools to bend, form, and process metal components according to specifications, ensuring quality, accuracy, and safe operation of all equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC press brake machines, including models such as Amada, Cincinnati, and Trumpf, to bend and form sheet metal components according to specifications.
• Perform sheet metal fabrication tasks, including forming, bending, and processing parts using press brake, punch brake, and related equipment.
• Operate additional fabrication machinery as needed, including shear presses, punch presses, and other metalworking equipment.
• Support manufacturing and production activities by running machines efficiently and maintaining consistent output in a high-volume environment.
• Read and interpret specification sheets, blueprints, and work orders to determine material, tooling, and machine setup requirements.
• Lay out and load materials using basic math, hand-held measuring tools, and gauges to ensure proper alignment and dimensions.
• Utilize computer output from CAD/CAM systems to set up and run jobs accurately on CNC equipment.
• Enter machine instructions, including zero and reference points, tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches, to achieve correct part dimensions.
• Set up mills and lathes as required to support metalworking and fabrication operations.
• Monitor machines during operation to ensure quality, detect issues, and make necessary adjustments to maintain part accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain machines in good working order by performing basic preventive maintenance, cleaning, and inspections.
• Apply re-work procedures when needed to correct parts and ensure they meet finished product characteristics and quality standards.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and other safety protocols to ensure safe operation of all equipment.
• Document work as required, including recording production data, machine settings, and any adjustments or rework performed.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of manufacturing experience in a high-volume, fast-paced production environment.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC press brake machines for sheet metal fabrication.
• Proficiency in sheet metal forming and bending using press brake, punch brake, and related equipment.
• Ability to read and understand specification sheets, blueprints, and work orders.
• Ability to lay out and load materials using basic math and hand-held measuring tools.
• Ability to utilize computer output from CAD/CAM systems for machine setup and operation.
• Ability to enter machine instructions, including zero and reference points, tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches.
• Ability to set up mills and lathes to support metalworking operations.
• Dexterity with manufacturing equipment, basic power tools, and machinery.
• Knowledge and ability to maintain machines in good working order through basic maintenance and care.
• Knowledge of re-work procedures and the ability to bring parts into compliance with finished product requirements.
• Understanding of finished product characteristics and quality expectations in metal fabrication.
• Knowledge and ability to perform lockout/tagout procedures and adhere to safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Metalworking and hollow metal fabrication experience preferred.
• Experience operating shear presses, punch presses, and other fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with CNC press brake brands such as Amada, Cincinnati, and Trumpf.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume production environment while meeting deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills to adjust machine settings and perform rework when necessary.

Why Work Here?

You will have the opportunity to transition to a permanent role after demonstrating strong performance over approximately 4 to 6 months. The organization offers a stable production environment where you can deepen your expertise with advanced fabrication equipment and CAD/CAM-driven processes. You will join a team that values safety, consistent quality, and continuous improvement, providing room to grow your skills and build a long-term career in manufacturing.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing and production facility focused on high-volume metal fabrication. You will work around CNC press brakes, mills, lathes, shear presses, punch presses, and other metalworking machinery, frequently handling sheet metal and related materials. The environment is fast-paced and requires consistent attention to safety procedures, including lockout/tagout practices and proper use of tools and equipment. You can expect to work on the shop floor for most of the day, using hand-held measuring tools, basic power tools, and computer-driven CAD/CAM outputs to complete your tasks.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fontana, CA.

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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 Fontana,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 13, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.