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Bending Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High school diploma or GED equivalent. 5+ years of work experience as a brake press or bending ... operator in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment. Experience with Amada, Bystronic, and ...

High school diploma or GED equivalent. 5+ years of work experience as a brake press or bending ... operator in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment. Experience with Amada, Bystronic, and ...

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Machine Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$23/hr

We are seeking a Machine Operator to join our team! Hourly rate for this position starts at $23.00 ... About Tulsa Tube Bending and the position: * Excellent benefits package including health, dental ...

Acts as a leader in their area to help develop operator's job knowledge and uses continuous improvement to reach established objectives. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Maintain a clean and ...

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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 ...

CNC Tube Bending

Pewaukee, WI · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... operating shop equipment. Responsibilities - Program/Bend/Inspect parts to job specific criteria, using Tube Bender -Edit programs and tech tables to ensure the machine is producing a quality part ...

Handyman

Salem, SC · On-site

$15/hr

This job may require push mowing, stooping, bending, operating blower and other small yard equipment as well as lifting up to 80 lbs.

Showing results 21-40

Bending Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do bending operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shift

Sanmina

Fremont, CA • On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Full-time, Other

Posted 23 days ago


Sanmina rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 157 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 Purpose: 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, proficiency in reading technical drawings, and the use of precision measurement tools to ensure the highest quality of fabricated components.

Nature of Duties/Responsibilities: Review drawings for special instructions, such as sequencing and forming details, prior to starting the job. Inspect work received from the previous operation and inspect again before moving completed work to the next stage. Utilize set-up sheets to configure the mechanical brake with the appropriate tooling.

Use the mechanical brake to bend punched or laser-cut parts according to customer specifications. Coordinate the brake workload between shifts. Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal, checking products for correct shapes, dimensions, and 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 team.

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

Education and Experience Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent. 5+ years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment. Experience with Amada, Bystronic, and Trumpf brake machines.

Expertise in using precision measurement tools (calipers, squares, height gauges, and protractors). Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and geometric tolerances. Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety.

Ability to stand for up to 8 hours, safely lift 50 pounds, and work overtime. 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


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