Press Brake Operator

This role involves setting up and operating press brake machines to fabricate and form large sheet metal components according to production specifications and blueprints. The Press Brake Operator uses precision measuring tools, interprets technical drawings, and adjusts machine programs to ensure accurate, high-quality parts in a fast-paced production environment.

• Set up and operate press brake machines, including Cincinnati press brake equipment, to form and bend sheet metal parts according to specifications.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, production drawings, and work orders to determine material requirements, dimensions, and machine settings.
• Use calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other hand tools to measure and verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Convert decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals to calculate dimensions, bend allowances, and machine settings accurately.
• Edit and adjust codes and programs on CNC press brake machines to achieve proper angles, dimensions, and part quality.
• Handle and work with large pieces of sheet metal safely and efficiently during setup, forming, and removal processes.
• Perform machine setup, including selecting and installing appropriate tooling, dies, and back gauge settings for each job.
• Monitor machine operation during production runs and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and consistency.
• Inspect finished parts for accuracy, quality, and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Assist with general fabrication and production tasks as needed to support overall workflow and output.
• Identify and report any equipment issues, material defects, or quality concerns to the appropriate personnel.

• 1–10 years of hands-on press brake operation experience in a production or fabrication environment.
• Proficiency operating press brake machines, including Cincinnati press brake equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production drawings accurately.
• Skilled in using tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring tools.
• Capability to convert decimals and fractions quickly and accurately for measurements and machine settings.
• Experience working with large pieces of sheet metal in a fabrication or manufacturing setting.
• Competence in CNC press brake operation, including basic code and program editing.
• Experience with machine setup, including tooling selection, machine adjustments, and back gauge configuration.
• Strong understanding of basic fabrication processes and production workflows.
• Ability to use hand tools safely and effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality parts.
• No specific education or certifications required, provided the candidate meets the experience requirements.

• Experience with general fabrication and production work beyond press brake operation.
• Familiarity with a variety of hand tools and shop equipment commonly used in metal fabrication.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with multiple jobs and changing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot minor machine or setup issues.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures and safety practices.

You will join a production environment where your technical skills and attention to detail directly contribute to high-quality fabricated products. The role offers consistent daytime hours and the opportunity to build deeper expertise with press brake and CNC fabrication equipment. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a setting that values reliability, craftsmanship, and safe work practices.

This position is based in a fabrication and production facility focused on sheet metal work. The role operates on a first shift schedule, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through the workweek. You will work with Cincinnati press brakes, CNC press brake machines, and a range of hand tools, measuring instruments, and fabrication equipment. The environment is hands-on and shop-based, requiring regular handling of large sheet metal components and adherence to standard safety practices and appropriate work attire suitable for a manufacturing setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, SC.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

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.

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.