CNC Press Brake Operator

About the Role

We are a precision manufacturing company with over 38 years in business seeking a skilled Press Brake Operator to join our fabrication team. In this role, you will set up and operate CNC press brake equipment to form precision sheet metal parts to exact dimensional and angular specifications. This is a hands-on production role in an AS9100D-certified shop serving aerospace, defense, and industrial customers where quality and repeatability are non-negotiable.

What You'll Do

• Set up and operate CNC press brakes to bend and form mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other sheet metal materials across a range of gauges and thicknesses.
• Select and install appropriate tooling including punches, dies, and V-openings based on material type, gauge, bend radius, and part geometry.
• Program or recall bend sequences from the CNC back-gauge controller; adjust for material springback, grain direction, and bend deduction to hold tight tolerances.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, bend diagrams, and job travelers to determine correct bend order, flange dimensions, and angular requirements.
• Perform first-article inspection on each new setup using precision measurement tools; adjust back-gauge positions, tonnage, and ram depth until parts are within specification before running production quantities.
• Inspect finished parts throughout the run using protractors, angle finders, calipers, and tape measures to verify dimensions and angles against drawing requirements.
• Recognize and compensate for material variation including thickness inconsistency, temper differences, and springback deviation across material lots.
• Change and maintain tooling; inspect punches and dies for wear, chipping, or damage and remove from service as needed.
• Handle formed parts carefully to avoid surface damage, scratches, or distortion, particularly on cosmetically sensitive aerospace and defense components.
• Complete all production documentation accurately including travelers, part counts, inspection records, and nonconformance reports per AS9100D quality procedures.
• Follow all ITAR handling requirements for controlled materials and drawings.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area in compliance with 5S standards and OSHA safety requirements.
• Wear all required PPE including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, and gloves; never reach into the die area during machine operation.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating a CNC press brake in a production sheet metal environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including GD&T, bend allowance tables, and multi-break part geometries.
• Proficiency with CNC back-gauge controllers and the ability to input or edit bend programs independently.
• Strong working knowledge of tooling selection -- punch radii, die widths, V-openings -- and how tooling choices affect bend quality and part geometry.
• Understanding of springback behavior by material type and how to compensate through overbend or parameter adjustment.
• Ability to use precision measurement tools including digital calipers, protractors, angle finders, and tape measures.
• Reliable attendance and commitment to production schedules in a fast-paced shop environment.

Preferred:

• Experience with Delem, Cybelec, or equivalent CNC press brake control systems.
• Familiarity with forming complex geometries including box and pan bends, hemming, acute angle bends, and multi-break parts.
• Experience in an AS9100D, ISO 9001, or ITAR-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Prior work in aerospace, defense, or precision sheet metal fabrication.
• Ability to operate a forklift or overhead crane for staging and handling heavy material (certification a plus).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods on a concrete production floor.
• Able to lift and position sheet stock up to 50 lbs. independently; team lifts and mechanical assists required for heavier material.
• Manual dexterity and spatial awareness required to handle and orient formed parts accurately.
• Comfortable working in an environment with ambient shop noise and press brake tonnage operations.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Stable, long-term employment with a growing company.
• A team-oriented culture with opportunities to expand your skills across other fabrication equipment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $26