Press Brake Operator

divh2CNC Press Brake Operator (Senior)/h2pWe are seeking a highly experienced Senior Press Brake Operator to join a high-mix, precision metal fabrication environment utilizing manual and hydraulic press brakes. This role is intended for a seasoned professional with 10+ years of hands-on press brake experience who can independently set up and run complex forming operations without reliance on CNC automation or CAM programming. The ideal candidate understands forming fundamentals, can interpret detailed fabrication drawings, manually develop flat patterns, select tooling, and produce repeatable, dimensionally accurate parts in both prototype and production settings. This position plays a critical role in meeting quality, delivery, and compliance requirements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment./ph3Key Responsibilities/h3ulliIndependently set up and operate manual and hydraulic press brakes to form ferrous and non-ferrous materials to tight tolerances./liliRead and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, bend notes, and specifications, including GDT where applicable./liliManually develop bend sequences to avoid collisions, distortion, and part interference./liliCalculate and verify flat patterns, bend allowances, and bend deductions based on material type, thickness, grain direction, and tooling selection./liliSelect, stage, and configure press brake tooling (punches, dies, back gauges, stops) appropriate for each job./liliManually calculate tonnage requirements using charts, experience, and shop standards to ensure safe and accurate forming./liliAdjust ram depth, pressure, and tooling setup to achieve correct bend angles and compensate for springback./liliPerform multi-hit bends and large-radius forming as required./liliBuild or modify temporary dies, spacers, fixtures, and stops to support non-standard forming operations./liliPerform first-article inspections and in-process checks using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, squares, angle gauges, etc.)./liliTroubleshoot forming issues including springback, material distortion, inconsistent angles, and tolerance stack-ups./liliMaintain strict adherence to quality standards, travelers, and job documentation./liliSupport downstream operations by ensuring parts are formed accurately for welding, assembly, or finishing./liliPerform routine machine checks, basic preventative maintenance, and promptly report mechanical or tooling issues./liliMaintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following all safety and compliance procedures./liliCollaborate with supervisors, engineers, and fellow operators to meet production schedules and resolve technical challenges./li/ulh3Required Experience Qualifications/h3ulliMinimum 10 years of verifiable, hands-on press brake experience, with significant time on manual or hydraulic press brakes./liliProven ability to run jobs independently from prints, without reliance on CNC sequencing or pre-programmed automation./liliMust be able to pass a flat-pattern and bend-calculation test administered by shop leadership./liliStrong understanding of material behavior, including springback, bend radii, tonnage requirements, and tooling limitations./liliProficiency with precision measuring tools and inspection techniques./liliDemonstrated experience working in high-mix / low-volume and production environments./liliAbility to read, interpret, and apply written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions./liliStrong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize work without disrupting shop flow./liliMust supply personal trade tools (calipers, clamps, layout tools, etc.)./liliAbility to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to a team environment./li/ulh3Preferred Experience/h3ulliHands-on experience operating Cincinnati Form Master hydraulic press brakes, including 90-ton (10) and 60-ton (4) configurations./liliBackground working on manual or semi-manual hydraulic press brakes where bend sequencing, tonnage calculation, and setup logic are developed by the operator rather than CNC automation./liliExperience setting and adjusting manual or numeric-readout backgauges between bends to maintain dimensional accuracy./liliFamiliarity with older-style, non-segmented press brake tooling, including manual punch and die selection based on material type and bend requirements./liliExperience performing manual springback compensation through ram depth adjustment, over-bending, and trial bends./liliAbility to perform multi-hit bending and large-radius forming without CNC radius programming./liliExperience operating a power roller (approximately 48) for forming cylindrical or curved sheet metal components./liliBackground in high-mix, custom, or job-shop fabrication environments supporting aerospace, defense, electronics, or industrial OEM applications./li/ul/div