Hydraulic Brake Press Operator

WHO WE ARE
Viewrail designs and manufactures premium stair and railing systems—handling everything from sales and design through fabrication and delivery. Our metal shop is a core part of that operation, producing a wide variety of custom made metal parts that ship across the country. We’re a team that takes quality seriously, holds each other accountable, and keeps improving.

The Hydraulic Brake Press Operator is a skilled, hands-on production team member responsible for setting up and operating a hydraulic press brake to bend sheet metal components to precise specifications for Viewrail railing and staircase systems. This individual reads schematics and engineering drawings, selects and installs appropriate tooling, sets bend parameters, and inspects finished parts for dimensional accuracy and cosmetic quality.

The ideal candidate brings technical precision, a quality-first mindset, and a strong commitment to working as part of a high-performing team.

(These requirements are in addition to any and all Viewrail employment requirements and policies.)

• Machine Setup & Operation
  • Set up and operate a hydraulic press brake to bend sheet metal parts to specified angles and dimensions per schematics and engineering drawings
  • Select, install, and adjust dies, punches, and tooling appropriate to each job's material and bend geometry
  • Program or recall bend sequences and back gauge positions, adjusting for material thickness, spring back, and grain direction
  • Perform routine machine checks, adjustments, and basic maintenance to maintain uptime and output quality
• Safely load, position, and unload sheet metal blanks and formed parts, using proper lifting techniques and material handling equipment
• Stage, organize, and transport material and finished parts between workstations
• Keep work areas, aisles, and staging zones clean, and free of hazards
• Measurement & Quality
  • Read and interpret tape measures, calipers, angle finders, and basic shop drawings to verify dimensions and geometry
  • Perform in-process inspection checks against schematics and quality standards
  • Identify non-conforming parts and elevate to team lead or quality personnel appropriately
  • Contribute to a first-pass quality culture by owning workmanship at the point of production
• Teamwork & Communication
  • Collaborate closely with adjacent operators and team leads to maintain production flow and meet daily targets
  • Communicate proactively about material shortages, equipment issues, or quality concerns
  • Participate in daily team huddles, 5S activities, and continuous improvement initiatives
• All other job duties and responsibilities as assigned

• Required:
  • Prior experience operating a hydraulic press brake, or equivalent experience with precision sheet metal forming equipment
  • Ability to accurately read a tape measure, protractor/angle finder, and basic shop drawings
  • Ability to stand for extended periods (8 to 10 hour shifts) and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout a shift
  • Ability to safely handle and move sheet metal blanks and formed components
  • Strong commitment to product quality and personal workmanship standards
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Preferred:
  • Experience with 5S, lean manufacturing, or similar continuous improvement practices
  • Familiarity with press brake tooling selection and setup for varying material types and thicknesses
  • Experience reading bend charts and calculating bend allowance/setback

• Built to Grow. We’re not looking for people who’ve got it all figured out. We want people who are curious, coachable, and willing to put in the effort to get better.
• Better Together. Strong results come from strong teams. We communicate clearly, support each other, and don’t let problems sit.
• Grounded & Great. We do what we say we’re going to do. Quality, follow-through, and accountability aren’t optional—they’re the baseline.
• Think It Through. Before you act, understand the impact. We want people who ask the right questions and flag problems before they become bigger ones.
• Be the Expert. Own your station. Know your process. If you see a better way, say something.
• Partnership & Accountability. We succeed as a team. That means owning your results—good or bad—and showing up for the people around you.