Press Brake Machine Set Up Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Press Brake Machine Set-Up Operator Job Description

Join a growing metal manufacturing team as a Press Brake Machine Set-Up Operator, where you will load programs, set up multi-axis brake presses to precise decimal specifications, and run parts to print in a fast-paced, short-run production environment. You will work primarily with Cincinnati 6-axis and Biostronic brake presses, performing multiple set-ups per day based on production needs while ensuring high-quality parts for applications including military components, electric vehicles, buses, and postal service trucks.

Responsibilities

• Load and run press brake programs, ensuring each part is produced accurately to the engineering print.
• Set up press brake machines, including Cincinnati 6-axis and Biostronic presses, to the correct bend angles and decimal dimensions.
• Perform 1–5 machine set-ups per day, adjusting to changing production needs and short-run manufacturing schedules.
• Read and interpret blueprints, including balloon dimensions, to understand critical features and tolerances.
• Identify dimensional or specification issues on prints and collaborate to determine appropriate corrections.
• Use basic math and decimal calculations to determine bend allowances and ensure proper forming of metal parts.
• Operate and adjust quality tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges to inspect parts and verify conformance.
• Conduct in-process inspection and troubleshooting of press brake operations to maintain product quality and consistency.
• Set up and operate related forming equipment as needed, including punch presses and other metalworking machinery.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with facility standards and procedures.
• Monitor equipment performance, report issues, and assist with basic mechanical adjustments to keep machines running efficiently.
• Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to meet daily output goals and customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of hands-on press brake experience specifically focused on machine set-up.
• Proven ability to pull up machine programs, review them, and run parts accurately to the print.
• Comfort working in a short-run environment with the ability to perform 1–5 set-ups per day depending on production demands.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including understanding balloon dimensions and critical tolerances.
• Ability to recognize when parts or dimensions are incorrect and determine how to correct them based on the print.
• Solid understanding of bending metals using basic math and decimal calculations.
• Proficiency using quality tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges for inspection and measurement.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to set up, adjust, and troubleshoot press brake and related equipment.
• Experience with machine set-up and operation in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.
• Ability to perform inspections and basic troubleshooting to resolve forming and dimensional issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating Cincinnati brake press machines.
• Experience operating Biostronic brake presses or similar multi-axis equipment.
• Background in punch press operation and set-up.
• General mechanical skills and comfort working with industrial machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production and quality teams.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports their health, financial well-being, and long-term growth. Team members enjoy medical, dental, and health coverage with HSA options, free vision benefits, life insurance, and both short-term and long-term disability coverage. A 401(k) plan with 3–5% matching and profit sharing helps build financial security, while paid holidays, PTO, and company events such as an annual picnic foster a positive, community-oriented culture. The organization promotes from within, offering opportunities to advance and grow your career in a stable manufacturing environment that takes pride in supporting critical industries, including military and advanced transportation.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, established manufacturing facility with over 70,000 square feet of production space and additional warehouse and manufacturing space nearby, both conveniently located near major highways I-75 and I-696. The environment is a hands-on metal fabrication setting, working with Cincinnati 6-axis and Biostronic brake presses, punch presses, and a variety of inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges. The standard schedule for first shift is Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., typically 40–50 hours per week, with only occasional Saturday work as needed. The facility manufactures parts for military applications, electric cars, buses, and postal service trucks, providing a dynamic and purpose-driven production atmosphere where employees are encouraged to take pride in the products they help create.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ferndale, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Ferndale,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

\nCompany 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.

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.