Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator – 3rd Shift

**Shift Information: **Sunday-Thursday 10pm-6:30am.

There will be a training period that will be on 2nd

shift, Monday-Friday 2:30pm-11pm.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced 3rd Shift Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator to join a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC brake press and laser cutting equipment to produce high-quality metal parts and assemblies that meet customer specifications, production requirements, and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in metal fabrication, CNC machinery, brake press operation, laser cutting, machine setup, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and troubleshooting . Because this is a 3rd shift / skeleton crew position , the ability to work independently, manage priorities, and maintain production flow with minimal supervision is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor CNC brake press and CNC laser equipment to produce metal components according to drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
• Set up machines, select and change tooling, load programs, and make adjustments to achieve required dimensions, bends, cuts, quality, and production rates.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and specifications .
• Perform first-piece/first-off inspections and verify parts meet quality requirements before continuing production.
• Use precision measuring equipment including tape measures, calipers, verniers, and other inspection tools .
• Bend, form, cut, and fabricate metal parts according to customer and engineering specifications.
• Monitor machine operation and make appropriate adjustments to maintain quality and maximize equipment utilization.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical and electrical issues and identify equipment problems that could affect safety, quality, or production.
• Perform routine physical maintenance and basic care of laser, brake press, and related manufacturing equipment.
• Ensure machine setups meet established production, quality, and safety goals .
• Complete required production paperwork, data entry, machine logs, quality records, and shift documentation.
• Follow established lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and all machine safety requirements, including guarding and light curtains.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, defective equipment, quality concerns, or production issues to the Lead or Supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Leads, Supervisors, and Management as needed.
• Assist with training and monitoring other operators in the safe and proper operation of equipment when assigned.
• Respond appropriately to equipment issues and production emergencies.
• Meet established production schedules, takt times, and quality expectations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Supervisors or Managers.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience operating CNC brake presses, press brakes, CNC lasers, or similar metal fabrication equipment .
• Manufacturing or metal fabrication experience preferred .
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand basic mechanical and electrical functions.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, manuals, and work instructions .
• Ability to accurately use tape measures, calipers, verniers, and other measuring instruments .
• Experience with machine setup, tooling changes, programming, or production adjustments.
• Strong understanding of machine safety and lockout/tagout procedures .
• Basic mathematical ability and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to identify quality issues and make appropriate machine or process adjustments.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds from floor level to table/workstation height.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and occasionally climb throughout the shift.
• Willingness to work overtime as required.

3rd Shift Work Environment

• Manufacturing/industrial plant environment.
• 3rd shift / overnight schedule.
• Fast-paced production environment with multiple demands and frequent distractions.
• Noisy manufacturing environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Exposure to varying warm and cold temperatures.
• Requires the ability to work independently as part of a skeleton crew .
• Overtime may be required based on production needs.

Health & Safety

• Follow all company and plant Health & Safety, OSHA, Quality, Environmental, and Human Resources policies .
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Follow machine guarding, light curtain, safety interlock, and other machine safety requirements.
• Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures whenever required.
• Report unsafe equipment, conditions, or work practices immediately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation at all times.

Required PPE

• Steel-toe safety shoes
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection/ear plugs
• Work gloves as required

Express Employment Professionals is one of the top staffing companies in the U.S. and Canada. Every day, we help people find jobs and provide workforce solutions to businesses. Express has more than 750 franchise locations that provide a full range of employment solutions that include full-time, temporary, and part-time employment in a wide range of positions, including professional, commercial, and administrative.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabilities

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Laser Cutter
• Press Brake
• CNC Plasma Cutter