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Press Brake Operator

Ascen Global • Full-time • Naperville, Illinois, United States • $25 - $28 / hour • 4d ago

JJob Description: Hydraulic Press Brake Operator

Department: Fabrication / Production

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Shop Foreman / Production Supervisor

Job Summary

The Hydraulic Press Brake Operator is responsible for setting up and operating hydraulic press brake machines to bend, shape, and form steel, aluminum, and other metal materials according to precise engineering blueprints and custom job specifications. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a strict commitment to workshop safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Operation: Set up, program, and operate hydraulic press brakes to execute custom bends and forming sequences on various types of sheet metal and heavy steel plate.
Tooling & Die Selection: Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, and fixtures into the machine rams or beds using hand tools, gauges, and shims.
Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret industrial blueprints, engineering schematics, and work orders to determine exact product specifications, dimensions, and material tolerances.
Quality Control & Inspection: Conduct first-article and ongoing part inspections using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and gauges) to ensure 100% compliance with design specifications.
Material Handling: Position, align, and secure heavy workpieces against machine guides and back-gauges. Safely utilize sit-down forklifts or overhead cranes to move raw materials and finished products across the shop floor.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine preventative maintenance on hydraulic equipment (checking fluid levels, lubrication, and tool wear) and troubleshoot minor machine errors to minimize production downtime.
Safety Compliance: Strict adherence to all company and OSHA safety protocols, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and machine guarding safeguards.

Job Qualifications & Requirements

Experience: Minimum 1–3 years of experience operating a hydraulic press brake or working within a heavy metal fabrication environment.
Technical Skills: * Proficient in blueprint reading and understanding geometric dimensions and tolerances.
Strong mathematical skills for calculating bend allowances and material thicknesses.
Hands-on experience performing machine setups, adjustments, and angle changes independently.
Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long periods (8–10 hours per shift) and safely lift/move heavy materials weighing up to 50–75 lbs.
Certification: Prior forklift or overhead crane operational experience is highly preferred (on-site certification provided if needed).

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