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Brake Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Munters

NightShift Press Brake Operator

Daleville, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Operate Press Brake working from job packets, job specific cut sheet, bend list, material usage list, blueprints, quality checklist or drawings. Develop layout and plan sequence of operations.

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Brake Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$17

$23

How much do brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for brake operator in Virginia is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Brake Operator faces during daily operations?

Brake Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision while forming metal parts, ensuring safety around heavy machinery, and meeting tight production deadlines. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical, as mistakes can lead to material waste or equipment damage. Staying updated with machine maintenance procedures and effectively communicating with team members helps address these challenges and ensures smooth workflow in a manufacturing environment.

What are Brake Operators?

Brake Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machines called press brakes, which are used to bend, shape, and form sheet metal and other materials. They read blueprints or production drawings to determine the appropriate machine settings, adjust the equipment, and ensure that finished products meet precise specifications. Brake Operators play a key role in manufacturing industries, particularly in metal fabrication and automotive sectors.

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

To thrive as a Brake Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with press brake machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These skills ensure precise fabrication, maintain workplace safety, and contribute to efficient production processes.

What is the difference between Brake Operator vs Press Brake Operator?

AspectBrake OperatorPress Brake Operator
CertificationsOften requires OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsSimilar certifications, including safety and machine operation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, metal fabrication shopsMetalworking shops, manufacturing facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate brake presses to bend metal sheetsSet up and operate press brakes for precise bending
Industry UsageCommon in metal fabrication, manufacturingCommon in sheet metal work, manufacturing

Both roles involve operating metal bending equipment and require safety certifications. The main difference is that a Brake Operator may refer broadly to operating various brake machines, while a Press Brake Operator specifically focuses on using press brakes for precise metal bending tasks. They often overlap in work environment and certifications, but the Press Brake Operator role emphasizes detailed setup and operation of press brakes for complex projects.

What are popular job titles related to Brake Operator jobs in Virginia? For Brake Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Brake Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Brake Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Brake Operator jobs in VA? For Brake Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Brake Operator jobs near you

Press Brake Operator (2nd Shift)

Eaton Aerospace

Williamsburg, VA

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Press Brake Operator (2nd Shift). The hourly rate for this position is $21.00 - $24 plus $1 shift differential (based on experience) per hour. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Hours 2PM - 10:30PM
Why work at Eaton? Below are a few of the outstanding benefits we offer:
  • Health benefits and vacation time - available to use on day one of your employment!
  • 10 Paid holidays
  • Paid Bi-Weekly
  • Career progression opportunities to cross-train in different departments and increase compensation.
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Retirement benefits
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Educational Assistance Program, Wellness Reimbursement, and more!

What you'll do:
The Fabricator will work as part of a manufacturing team to ensure daily goals and objectives are achieved in the fabrication department. This individual will be responsible for set-up, operation, change over, and general maintenance of machinery in the steel shop including Press Brakes and Lasers, and is responsible for the lay-out, assembly, and proper forming of material per blueprints & specifications.
  • Operate a press brake to manufacture parts from sheet metal or metal plates according to safe work practices. Adhering to all required personal protective equipment
  • Prepare, set up and adjust press brake as required reading job instructions and/or blueprints to cut / form required products.
  • Perform set-ups, minor troubleshooting, and routine preventative maintenance when required.
  • Assemble components of standard and engineered to order products using hand tools, pneumatic tools and move product from previous operation to next operation.
  • Perform adjustments to machine, tooling, and wheels to keep product within specified tolerances per job instructions.
  • Complete production documentation (first piece approvals, routing tags, scrap tickets, etc.) and use specified gages to ensure proper product tolerances.
  • Maintain high levels of quality and continually seek methods of improvement for all functions of the position.

#IND123
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a high school diploma/GED from an accredited institution.
  • Must have a minimum of one year press brake machine experience (sheet metal fabrication preferred)
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.
  • No relocation benefit is being offered for this position. Only candidates within a 50-mile radius of the facility will be considered. Active-Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum one year experience in metal fabrication or related work
  • Previous experience operating a Press Brakes, Lasers, or CNC Machines
  • Basic computer and math skills

Position Criteria:
  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to read and understand wiring schematics, blueprints, and drawings
  • Able to move material as needed using material handling carts (push/pull 50lbs)
  • Able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs
  • Team player and able to collaborate with others to effectively complete work assignments per customer orders
  • Willingness to participate in training opportunities
  • Practice good housekeeping to keep assigned work-area clean, organized, and orderly.
  • Perform other duties as required including flexing to other departments

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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