Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Job Description

The Press Brake Operator sets up and operates CNC press brakes and turret equipment to produce a variety of metallic parts to precise specifications. This role interprets manufacturing information and blueprints, performs complex, non-repetitive forming operations, conducts routine maintenance checks, and ensures all parts meet quality and safety standards while supporting continuous improvement in a clean manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Work from manufacturing information, drawings, sketches, intranet resources, SAP data, and written and oral instructions to determine job requirements.
• Operate numerically controlled turret and press brake equipment using automatic, semi-automatic, or manual controls while monitoring the control panel for correct position of the workpiece and turret.
• Review and verify pattern sequences and perform mathematical calculations to adjust machines and meet specified 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 wide variety of metallic parts, verifying manufactured parts against engineering drawings.
• Set up and operate press brakes to bend and form materials and parts on a non-repetitive, complex basis.
• Program the Light Curtain and create new programs for new part numbers and configurations.
• 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, including bending and hemming operations, in accordance with job instructions and specifications.
• Position work holders on the table as instructed or in locations that avoid interference with hole locations in piece parts.
• Perform daily and weekly operator maintenance checks and tests on machines, including hydraulic systems, air systems, table movement, and controls, following established procedures.
• Identify and recognize malfunctions related to erratic table movement, tapes, hydraulics, air systems, and machine controls.
• Determine when punches and dies on both punching and forming operations require sharpening or replacement and when parts are incorrectly punched or formed due to program errors.
• Change, set, and adjust tools as required to maintain quality and productivity.
• Sort and deliver completed parts to designated work areas and move raw and finished materials to and from the work area.
• Obtain and maintain a forklift license to safely move materials as needed.
• Clean machines and oil punches as required to maintain equipment performance and longevity.
• Notify supervision when equipment or tooling conditions require service, repairs, or replacement.
• Take responsibility for the quality of finished work by performing checks and ensuring conformance to specifications and standards.
• Maintain required records and documentation in accordance with F&L Standards and other company requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are necessitated by changes in production, equipment, or operating conditions.
• Follow all company rules, procedures, and safety practices at all times.
• Keep the work area neat, clean, and organized to support safety and efficiency.
• Provide suggestions and ideas that contribute to the continuous improvement of operations, processes, and quality.
• Edit CNC programs and review N.C. plots to ensure high-quality parts are produced consistently.
• Work assigned shift schedules, including 2nd shift (Monday–Friday, 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) or 3rd shift (Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.), as required.

Essential Skills

• Proven press brake operating experience in a manufacturing or machining environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and layout sheets accurately.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance on production machinery.
• Basic mathematical skills to perform calculations for machine adjustments and part layouts.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating CNC press brakes and related equipment.
• Capability to perform non-repetitive, complex bending and forming operations.
• Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and tooling wear and take appropriate action.
• Competence in editing CNC programs and verifying N.C. plots for quality.
• Commitment to following safety practices and maintaining high quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with sheet metal fabrication and punch press operations.
• Skill in using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and tape measures.
• Familiarity with machine setup for brake press machines and CNC machines.
• Ability to interpret and work from SAP or other enterprise systems for manufacturing information.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a forklift license for material movement.
• Comfort working with Light Curtain programming and creating new part programs.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for maintaining records and documentation.
• Proactive mindset with an interest in contributing ideas for continuous improvement.
• Reliability to work 2nd or 3rd shift schedules as assigned.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, reputable organization that offers a clear path from contract to hire and invests in long-term employee growth. You benefit from a clean, well-maintained manufacturing environment and access to an onsite weight room that supports your health and well-being. The benefits package includes a fully vested 401(k) match up to 7% of eligible compensation, and competitive medical, dental, and vision plans that are effective from your first day. You enjoy a generous time-off program with multiple weeks of vacation that increase with tenure, 7 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 8 company-observed holidays. Tuition reimbursement becomes available after 6 months of service, supporting your continued education. Parental leave provides 100% base pay for 6 consecutive weeks within the first year of a child’s birth or adoption. You also gain access to a wide range of development opportunities designed to enhance your professional and leadership growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fairly clean manufacturing environment with moderate noise levels typical of metal fabrication and CNC equipment. Team members work around press brakes, punch presses, and CNC machinery, following established safety procedures and equipment maintenance routines. The position operates on 2nd shift (Monday–Friday, 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) or 3rd shift (Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.), providing consistent, structured hours. While working in the shop, you wear steel-toed boots, long pants, and safety glasses to ensure personal safety. The facility emphasizes organization, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards, creating a professional and well-ordered work setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hanover, PA.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $30.00/hr.

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 Hanover,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.