Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Job Description

The Press Brake Operator sets up and operates brake press equipment to bend, notch, punch, and straighten metal plates and sheet metal according to blueprints or sketches, ensuring parts meet precise customer specifications and supporting efficient production output.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake machines to bend, notch, punch, or straighten metal plates and sheet metal according to blueprints and sketches.
• Perform machine set-ups and die changes as required for each job.
• Work with steel ranging from 1.5 mm to 30 mm in thickness, adjusting machine settings appropriately.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to produce parts in various configurations.
• Measure and verify dimensions of workpieces using tape measures, calipers, and other precise measuring instruments.
• Inspect parts during and after production to confirm correct shape, dimensions, flatness, and tolerances meet customer specifications.
• Conduct quality inspections on all parts and components produced, following strict quality control procedures.
• Complete all assigned work orders for the shift in a timely manner, following the correct production schedule.
• Grind laps or burrs from edges of workpieces when required to ensure proper finish and safety.
• Set up and verify packaging for finished parts in accordance with customer requirements when packaging is needed.
• Accurately document completed work, including quantities produced and any relevant production or quality information.
• Clean and lubricate press brake equipment as required to maintain optimal performance and reduce downtime.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area by following good housekeeping practices.
• Follow all operational procedures and policies as outlined in internal programs, including quality and environmental standards such as IATF and ISO.
• Collaborate with team members and floor leadership to support smooth production flow and resolve issues as they arise.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and facility operations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on press brake operating experience, including the ability to independently set up machines.
• Proficiency in performing press brake set-ups and die changes for different jobs and materials.
• Experience working with steel ranging from 1.5 mm to 30 mm thick.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including the ability to interpret schematics and technical drawings.
• Ability to use tape measures, calipers, and other precise measuring instruments accurately.
• Demonstrated skill in machine setup and adjustment to achieve required bends, notches, punches, and straightening operations.
• Experience performing in-process and final inspections to verify dimensions, flatness, and tolerances.
• Ability to check products for correct shape, dimensions, and other specifications consistently.
• Capability to grind laps or burrs from workpiece edges safely and effectively when required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following strict quality control procedures.
• Ability to follow documented operational procedures, quality, and environmental programs such as IATF and ISO.
• Willingness and ability to work a Monday through Friday schedule with regular Saturday shifts, supporting a six-day work week.
• Comfort working across different shifts (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) as required by production needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with different press brake machine brands and tonnage levels.
• Demonstrated ability to discuss prior press brake experience, including machines used, tonnage handled, and types of jobs completed.
• Familiarity with hand tools used in metal fabrication and finishing.
• Experience documenting completed work orders and production data.
• Understanding of organized production processes and workflow in a manufacturing environment.
• Comfort participating in on-site interviews that include discussion with HR and floor leadership and a skills demonstration on the production floor.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new machines, setups, and part configurations, progressing through skill levels based on performance and learning speed.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers clear growth potential through multiple skill-based levels, allowing you to increase your earnings as you develop and demonstrate your expertise. You will work in a very clean, well-lit, and highly organized facility that prioritizes stable, long-term business in a strong industry with well-established customers. The environment supports learning, advancement, and consistent work, providing a solid foundation for building a lasting career in metal fabrication.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, well-lit manufacturing facility with highly organized processes and clearly defined workflows. You will work with press brake equipment and related tools such as tape measures, calipers, and hand tools to process steel from 1.5 mm to 30 mm thick. The schedule follows a Monday through Friday structure with regular Saturday work, effectively creating a six-day work week. Shifts are structured as 1st shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), 2nd shift (3:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.), and 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.), with 3rd shift starting on Sunday night. Weekend work schedules are posted mid-week to provide clarity on upcoming Saturday shifts. The facility emphasizes organized operations, adherence to quality and environmental programs such as IATF and ISO, and a professional production-floor environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, NC.

The pay range for this position is $22.21 - $24.79/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 Lexington,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.