Press Brake Operator

Press Brake Operator

This role operates and sets up CNC press brakes in a sheet metal fabrication environment, ensuring high-quality parts through accurate programming, precise setup, and thorough inspection. You will work closely with the CAD department to manage brake programs and prints, maintain consistent tooling and process information, and support continuous improvement in production quality and efficiency.

• Set up and operate Bystronic press brakes to produce sheet metal parts according to specifications.
• Load, run, and adjust CNC programs on press brakes, including making necessary edits to optimize part quality and production efficiency.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on press brake equipment to minimize downtime and ensure safe operation.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work orders to understand dimensions, tolerances, and fabrication requirements.
• Collaborate with the CAD department to maintain and organize brake program files on the server, ensuring there is only one program per part number per machine.
• Assist in updating customer prints and routers with accurate programming and tooling information to reflect current production processes.
• Perform first-piece inspections of parts as they come off the press brake, verifying dimensions and quality against blueprints and specifications.
• Conduct regular spot checks of parts during production runs to ensure consistent quality and adherence to tolerances.
• Use shop math to perform measurements, conversions, and calculations related to part dimensions, bend allowances, and material thickness.
• Operate overhead cranes, as needed, to safely move materials and parts to and from the press brake area.
• Follow safety procedures and guidelines, including proper handling of tools, materials, and equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper storage of tools, materials, and documentation.

• Minimum of 5+ years of press brake setup experience in a sheet metal or fabrication environment.
• Hands-on experience operating CNC press brakes, preferably Bystronic equipment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and related technical documents.
• Proficiency in shop math, including conversions and working with decimals and fractions.
• Experience with machine operation in a metal fabrication or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to perform first-piece and in-process inspections using appropriate measurement tools.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for press brake equipment and related processes.
• Ability to work safely around overhead cranes and other material handling equipment.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment with noise, metal dust, and repetitive motions.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, lift, twist, bend, climb, stoop, crawl, and crouch for extended periods.

• Preferred experience operating overhead cranes in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Experience working with CAD-driven programs and coordinating with a CAD department.
• Familiarity with maintaining program files on a server and following file management standards.
• Ability to assist in updating customer prints and routers with programming and tooling information.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in production.
• Willingness to cross-train and learn other departments or processes within the plant.

The organization offers a supportive, family-owned culture that values internal growth and promotion from within. Team members receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 4% matching 401(k), life insurance, and an HSA with an employer contribution to start. Once hired on, employees receive company-provided boots and uniforms, along with tuition reimbursement opportunities and the chance to cross-train in different departments, fostering long-term career development and stability.

This position is based in a manufacturing facility that can become dirty and warm during the summer months, though large doors are kept open to help maintain airflow and keep the area relatively cool. The plant is heated during the winter to provide a comfortable working temperature. The environment is very open and spacious, allowing for efficient movement of people and materials.

Working conditions may include loud noise levels, the use of vibratory tools, repetitive motions, and exposure to airborne particles such as metal dust and chips, as well as chemicals like coolants and oils. Employees can expect continual standing and walking, along with lifting, twisting, bending, climbing, stooping, crawling, and crouching as part of daily tasks. Company uniforms and safety boots are provided once hired on, supporting a consistent and safe dress code suitable for a fabrication setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Little Canada, MN.

The pay…