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Bending Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Fremont, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

High school diploma or GED equivalent 5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or ...

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Fremont, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

High school diploma or GED equivalent 5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or ...

Press Brake Operator -1st Shift

Fremont, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

High school diploma or GED equivalent 5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or ...

Tube Bending Leader

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Lead, train, and support junior operators while managing shift production schedules and ensuring safety compliance Required Qualifications: * 3-5+ years of high-precision tube bending experience

Midwest Hose is seeking a skilled CNC Tube Bending Programmer / Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC tube bending machinery to ...

Lead, train, and support junior operators while managing shift production schedules and ensuring safety compliance Required Qualifications: * 3-5+ years of high-precision tube bending experience

This is a skilled, hands-on role focused on machine setup, troubleshooting, and quality -- not just operating. Equipment Used * Horn tube benders * Eagle bending machines * Addison benders * Crippa ...

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Manufacturing Machine Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$23 - $23.01/hr

Job Details We are seeking a Machine Operator to join our team! Hourly rate for this position ... About Tulsa Tube Bending and the position: * Excellent benefits package including health, dental ...

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... and operating instructions. - Adheres to all company mandated safety procedures/guidelines at all ... and heating/bending manufactured and purchased parts. - Prepares work to be accomplished by ...

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Bending Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do bending operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for bending operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Bending Operators and how can they be overcome?

Bending Operators often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex blueprints, maintaining precision in repetitive tasks, and handling different types of metals with varying properties. To overcome these, it's important to develop strong attention to detail, continuously update knowledge of machinery, and communicate closely with engineering and quality control teams. Regular training on safety procedures and equipment calibration also helps ensure both accuracy and a safe work environment.

What is a Bending Operator?

A Bending Operator is a skilled worker who operates machinery designed to bend metal, plastic, or other materials into specific shapes and angles, often as part of a manufacturing or fabrication process. They read blueprints or technical drawings, set up and adjust the bending machines, and inspect finished products to ensure they meet required specifications. Bending Operators often work with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) press brakes or manual bending machines, and are responsible for maintaining equipment safety and producing parts with precision. The role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bending Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bending Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metal fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC press brakes, manual bending machines, and the ability to read blueprints or technical drawings is essential. Good problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators ensure quality and safety on the production floor. These skills are crucial for producing precise parts efficiently while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Bending Operator vs Welding Technician?

AspectBending OperatorWelding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications like AWS
Work EnvironmentMetal fabrication shops, manufacturing plantsManufacturing facilities, construction sites
Industry UsageMetal forming, pipe bending, sheet metal workMetal joining, welding, fabrication

The main difference between a Bending Operator and a Welding Technician lies in their core tasks. Bending Operators focus on shaping metal sheets and pipes through bending machines, while Welding Technicians specialize in joining metal parts via welding processes. Both roles require technical skills and are common in manufacturing industries, but they serve distinct functions in metal fabrication processes.

More about Bending Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Bending Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Sanmina

Fremont, CA • On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Sanmina rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

115th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world The Sanmina Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant.

Located in California's Silicon Valley, this facility produces low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume. The Fremont facility offers everything from small piece parts to fully integrated and tested systems. In addition, this location offers in-house painting capabilities and flexible logistics solutions in distribution, inventory management and hubbing, as well as repair services.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Press Brake Operator is a skilled technician responsible for setting up and operating press brake machines to bend, form, and shape metal sheets and plates according to engineering specifications and blueprints. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong focus on safety, and proficiency in reading technical drawings and using precision measurement tools to ensure the highest quality of fabricated components. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES: Review drawings for special instructions such as sequencing, forming and other details prior to starting the job.

Inspect work received from the previous operation and inspect again before moving completed work to the next operation. Utilize set-up sheets to set up mechanical brake with appropriate tooling. Use the mechanical brake to bend punched or laser cut parts according to customer specifications.

Coordinate the brake workload between shifts. Operates presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal; Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications Operate the press brake to bend, form, and shape metal components into various configurations, ensuring efficient cycle times and adherence to production schedules Safely load and unload raw sheet metal and plate materials onto the press brake, positioning them accurately for the bending process. Prepare and set up manual press brake machinery for production runs by selecting, installing, and aligning the appropriate tooling (punches and dies) based on material type and thickness.

MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and machine guarding. Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on the press brake and tooling, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal machine performance and longevity. Troubleshooting: Identify machine malfunctions, tooling issues, or material inconsistencies and communicate them promptly to the supervisor or maintenance QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TECHNICAL INTERPRETATION Blueprint Reading: Accurately read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders to determine bend allowances, sequences, and product specifications.

Quality Control: Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, protractors, squares, and gauges) to verify parts meet tight geometric tolerances and dimensions. Adjustment: Identify and troubleshoot forming issues (e.g., springback, cracking) and make necessary fine adjustments to machine settings or tooling to correct deviations and ensure quality. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED equivalent

5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment. Experience with Amada and Bystronics Brake Machines Basic computer and math skills. Ability to work overtime Can safely lift 50 pounds and stand for up to 8 hours Demonstrated curiosity and an enthusiastic aptitude for continuous learning and skill development.

Ability to rapidly absorb and apply new tools, systems, and processes. Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach to receiving direction. Expertise in using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, and gauges).

Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety Ability in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and geometric tolerances. Preferred/optional: Knowledge of CAD/CAM software for offline press brake programming. Technical or vocational training in machining, metal fabrication or a related field.

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Salary Range (annual): $58,240 - $76,960 ($28.00 -$37.00) per hour In addition, Sanmina Provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business


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