Brake Press | Shear Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Brake Press Operator for 2nd shift in Jonesboro, AR. The ideal candidates will be responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of brake press machinery to bend, form, and shape metal parts according to customer specifications while maintaining high quality, safety, and productivity standards.

2nd Shift: 4:00pm - 12:30am | Mon-Fri

• Machine Set-Up & Calibration

  • Program, setup, calibrate, and operate the brake press, ensuring proper tooling, dies, and machine settings for specific jobs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to technical specifications.

  • Adjust machine parameters (bend angles, pressure, backgauge, etc.) based on material thickness and tolerances.

  • Mount and align metal sheets or plates, ensuring accurate forming according to blueprints or work orders.

  • Proficiently operate brake press machinery to bend, shape, or form metal sheets or plates according to specified requirements.

• Blueprint Reading & Quality Control

  • Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and specs to determine required bend, tolerances, sequence, and finishing.

  • Inspect parts during and after production using precision tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) to ensure they meet quality and dimensional standards.

  • Identify defects (cracks, over-bending, under-bending, finish issues) and take corrective action or report issues to supervision.

• Productivity & Production Targets

  • Meet or exceed daily production quotas and turnaround times, while maintaining quality and minimizing waste or rework.

  • Coordinate with scheduling/planning to ensure parts are produced on time and in correct sequence.

• Preventive Maintenance & Machine Care

  • Perform routine maintenance tasks (cleaning, lubrication, checking for wear, replacing worn tooling) to keep equipment in good working condition.

  • Report any mechanical issues, malfunctions, or safety hazards to maintenance/supervisor promptly.

  • Identify and troubleshoot issues with machinery, tools, or materials that may affect production quality or efficiency, and perform routine maintenance tasks.

• Safety & Housekeeping

  • Adhere to all safety protocols, OSHA rules, plant policies, and use required PPE.

  • Maintain a clean, organized work area; ensure that dies, tools, and materials are stored properly.

  • Follow lockout/tagout, machine lock safety procedures as needed.

  • Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for handling materials and operating machinery. Stand for long periods, lift heavy materials, and perform repetitive tasks.

• Material Handling & Logistics

  • Use forklifts, overhead cranes, hoists, or other material-handling equipment to move heavy metal sheets or formed pieces as needed.

  • Handle and load raw materials onto the brake press machine, ensuring proper alignment and positioning for accurate bending.

  • Select the correct material (type, grade, thickness) for jobs and verify inventory.

• Documentation & Reporting

  • Keep accurate records of production quantities, reject rates, machine downtime, tooling changes, etc.

  • Log work orders, shift reports, and any deviations from standard procedures.

  • Communicate with supervisors about priorities, delays, or quality issues.

• Teamwork & Flexibility

  • Work cooperatively with other operators, quality, maintenance, and supervisory teams.

  • Be willing to support other press setups or jobs when needed.

  • Adapt to shift schedules, including possible overtime.

You should be proficient in:

• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Punch Press
• Press Brake
• Stamping Press
• Laser Punch Press
• Turret Press