Press Operator

Press Brake Operator

At North Shore Steel, precision, craftsmanship, and safety are at the core of everything we do. For more than 65 years, we have helped customers succeed by delivering quality steel products and fabrication services they can depend on.

As a Press Brake Operator, you will play a critical role in transforming steel plate and sheet material into finished components that meet exact customer specifications. Reporting directly to the Production Supervisor, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining press brake equipment while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

This position is ideal for someone who takes pride in producing quality work, understands the importance of precision fabrication, and enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where every part matters.

Press Brake Operation

• Set up and operate press brake equipment to bend, form, and shape steel plate and sheet material according to customer specifications.
• Select, install, and adjust tooling, dies, and machine settings for production runs.
• Perform first-piece inspections and verify machine setup before releasing parts into production.
• Monitor production runs and make adjustments as necessary to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Produce parts that meet dimensional and quality requirements while minimizing scrap and rework.

Blueprint Interpretation & Quality Control

• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, work orders, and production documentation.
• Measure and inspect finished parts using tape measures, squares, protractors, calipers, and other measuring devices.
• Verify dimensions, bend angles, and tolerances meet customer and company requirements.
• Identify quality concerns and communicate issues before products move to the next stage of production.

Material Handling & Production Support

• Verify material grade, thickness, dimensions, and identification prior to processing.
• Coordinate with crane operators and material handlers to safely move material throughout the production process.
• Safely assist with or perform overhead crane operations when qualified and authorized.
• Maintain material traceability and proper identification throughout production.
• Support production priorities and schedules to help ensure on-time delivery to customers.

Equipment Care & Safety

• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine preventive maintenance activities.
• Immediately report equipment malfunctions, quality concerns, or safety hazards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, training activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively with supervisors, production personnel, quality personnel, and material handling teams.
• Assist with training and supporting teammates when requested.
• Look for opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and productivity within the operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business and customer needs.

What It Takes to Be Successful

• Experience operating press brake equipment in a manufacturing, fabrication, or metal processing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, and production documentation.
• Strong understanding of measuring tools and dimensional inspection techniques.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot basic equipment and setup issues.
• Experience safely working around overhead cranes and heavy material handling operations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong teamwork and communication.
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Basic computer and mathematical skills.

Preferred Experience

• One to three years of press brake operating experience in a steel fabrication, manufacturing, or metal processing environment.
• Experience working with steel plate, structural steel, or heavy fabricated components.
• Experience performing machine setups, tooling changes, and first-piece inspections.
• Experience operating or signaling overhead bridge cranes.
• Forklift experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with CNC-controlled fabrication equipment.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with demanding customer schedules.

Why North Shore Steel

North Shore Steel is an industry-leading steel service center with a proud history of serving customers across the region for more than 65 years. Our mission is to create significant value for our customers, provide a prosperous workplace for our employees, and positively impact the communities we serve.

If you take pride in quality workmanship, value safety, and want to be part of a team that delivers excellence every day, we encourage you to apply.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs independently on a routine basis and handle materials safely as part of daily job duties.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and maintain safe body positioning while performing tasks and moving through the work area, including walking on concrete floors and uneven surfaces.
• Frequent squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting, requiring full-body mobility, balance, and upper- and lower-body strength to perform work safely.
• Manual agility to operate tools safely and effectively, with regular use of arms, shoulders, and back for lifting, reaching, and positioning tasks.
• Ability to work safely in a warehouse environment with exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Maintain adequate visual and auditory acuity to safely perform assigned tasks, including but not limited to: identifying potential hazards, reading and/or recording measurements, inspecting materials, and responding promptly to verbal instructions, alarms or hand signals in the work environment

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Criminal background check: reviewed in accordance with job duties, the nature and gravity of any convictions, and the time elapsed since the offense or sentence completion.
• Pre-hire drug screening: candidates must pass a drug screen to be eligible for hire.
• Physical assessment: required for all Production and Distribution positions, conducted by a company-designated physician at no cost to the candidate.

Participation in each step of the pre-employment process is required. Candidates who choose not to participate or who do not meet the screening criteria will not be eligible for employment.

Benefits:

At North Shore Steel, we invest in the well-being of our team. Full-time employees receive a full benefits package that includes multiple Major Medical plan options, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life, Short-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, and HSA options for qualifying plans.

We also provide Long-Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D coverage at no cost to you. You'll also enjoy our competitive holiday schedule, PTO program, and a Safe Harbor 401(k) with company contributions to support your long-term financial goals.

We are an equal opportunity employer and maintain a safe, secure, and drug-free workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.