Press Brake Operator

Press Brake Operator

The Press Brake Operator sets up and operates CNC press brake and turret equipment to produce a wide variety of sheet metal parts to precise specifications. This role interprets manufacturing information, drawings, and programs, performs machine adjustments and basic maintenance, and ensures all parts meet quality and safety standards in a clean, modern manufacturing environment.

• Work from manufacturing information, engineering drawings, sketches, intranet resources, SAP data, and written and oral instructions to determine job requirements.
• Set up and operate numerical controlled turret and press brake using automatic, semi-automatic, and manual controls.
• Read and interpret machine controls to verify position of work pieces and turret, and confirm proper pattern sequence.
• Perform mathematical calculations to adjust machine settings and programs to meet part specifications and tolerances.
• Manually dial in programs or load programs from readouts and program sheets as required for each job.
• Punch, pierce, emboss, blank, notch, slot, and form a variety of metallic parts, and verify manufactured parts against drawings and specifications.
• Set up and operate press brakes to bend and form material and parts on a non-repetitive, complex basis.
• Program light curtains and create new programs for new parts, ensuring safe and efficient machine operation.
• Lay out work using punches, dies, and holders according to layout sheets or other instructions, and check alignment by cycling the press manually.
• Set up press brakes to bend and hem parts per instructions and verify accuracy of bends and forms.
• Position work holders at table locations according to instructions or in locations that avoid interference with hole locations in piece parts.
• Perform daily and weekly operator maintenance checks and tests on hydraulic and air systems, table movement, and controls according to established procedures.
• Recognize malfunctions related to table movement, tapes, hydraulic and air systems, and machine controls, and take appropriate action.
• Identify when punches and dies used for punching and forming require sharpening or replacement.
• Detect parts that have been punched or formed incorrectly due to program errors and make necessary corrections.
• Handle and organize tools as required to support efficient setup and production.
• Sort and deliver parts to designated work areas and move material to and from the work area as needed.
• Obtain and maintain a forklift license to safely move materials and parts within the facility.
• Clean machines and oil punches as required to maintain equipment performance and longevity.
• Notify supervision when equipment or tools require service or repair.
• Take responsibility for the quality of finished work, ensuring parts meet all specifications and standards.
• Maintain required records and documents in accordance with F&L Standards and other company procedures.
• Perform other duties as instructed, in response to changes in production requirements or operating conditions.
• Follow all company rules, safety practices, and procedures, and maintain a neat and orderly work area.
• Provide suggestions and ideas that support continuous improvement of operations and processes.
• Edit programs and check N.C. plots to ensure parts are produced accurately and consistently.
• Work assigned shift schedule, with openings available on second shift (Monday–Friday, 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) and third shift (Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.).

• Hands-on press brake operating experience in a manufacturing or machining environment.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading to interpret part requirements and tolerances.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance on production machinery.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for machine setup and adjustments.
• Ability to set up CNC press brake and turret machines for complex, non-repetitive parts.
• Skill in using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and tape measures.
• Competence in sheet metal work, including punching, forming, and bending operations.
• Experience with punch press and brake press machines.
• Ability to read and interpret CNC…