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Brake Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tread Corporation

Machine Operator

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

This equipment includes, but not limited to, Laser, Press brake, Band Saw, Shear, Small and Large ... operating manufacturing blanking equipment PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS o Must be able to lift, push, pull ...

Aerotek

Material Handler

Petersburg, VA

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Possibly train to be a saw or brake operator, forklift operator, or steel bending machine operator. Essential Skills * Heavy industrial or construction experience required. * Ability to read a tape ...

RMA Worldwide

Motorcoach Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Operators must conduct a pre- check and post-check of vehicles to ensure the cleanliness and ... Vehicle Inspection/ Safety check * CDL Driver's license with Air brake and Passenger Endorsements

William A. Hazel, Inc.

GPS Dozer Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$24 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Dozer Operator (GPS) for our Dirt Crew. This position reports to and is under the direction of ... Use hands to raise or lower blade, use feet to brake, or throttle machine. Use hands and feet to ...

Roanoke County, VA

Motor Equipment Operator I

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$38K - $46K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Class A commercial driver's license with an air brake certification and have a good driving record. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Good knowledge of the principles and practices of operating and ...

RMA Worldwide

Motor Coach Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Valid CDL Class A or B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements. * Clean driving record and ... Operators, and Shuttle Ambassadors. * Full-time: $1,200 * Part-time: $600 Eligibility begins after ...

RMA Worldwide

Motor Coach Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Valid CDL Class A or B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements. * Clean driving record and ... Operators, and Shuttle Ambassadors. * Full-time: $1,200 * Part-time: $600 Eligibility begins after ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsBrake Operator JobsBrake Operator Jobs in Virginia

Brake Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$17

$23

How much do brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 is a brake operator?

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.

Is a press brake operator a good job?

A press brake operator is a skilled manufacturing role that involves shaping metal sheets using a press brake machine. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially in manufacturing and fabrication industries, and requires attention to safety protocols and mechanical skills. The job can be physically demanding and may involve shift work, but it provides a clear career path with potential for skill development and advancement.

How much do brake operators make?

Brake operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work in manufacturing or transportation environments, operating machinery to bend, cut, or shape metal and other materials.

What does a brake operator do?

A brake operator is responsible for operating and maintaining brake machinery used in manufacturing or metalworking processes. They set up, adjust, and monitor brake presses to shape metal parts according to specifications, often using hand tools and safety equipment. Attention to detail and knowledge of machine operation are essential for ensuring quality and safety.

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
Infographic showing various Brake Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,269 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Machine Operator

Tread Corporation

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description:

DESCRIPTION:


Machine operator is responsible for safe operation of blanking equipment. This equipment includes, but not limited to, Laser, Press brake, Band Saw, Shear, Small and Large Rollers. Capable of reading and interpreting engineering drawings.


SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:


· Laser:

o Ability to set up and run CNC laser

o Ability to identify various sheet and plate steel

o Safe operation of a vacuum lift to move material from racks to cutting table

o Capable of understanding measurement devices such as tape measures

o Perform weekly cycle counts on all sheet and plate steel to ensure material quantity accuracy

o Properly transact work orders to capture labor and costs

o Maintain a clean and safe work area


· Saw

o Ability to set up and run CNC band saw

o Ability to identify various structural steel

o Capable of understanding measurement devices such as tape measures

o Safe operation of overhead crane to move material from racks to band saw

o Perform weekly cycle counts on all structural steel to ensure material quantity accuracy

o Properly transact work orders to capture labor and costs, including issuing material and verifying work order accuracy

o Maintain a clean and safe work area

· Press Brake

o Ability to set up and run CNC press brake

o Ability to identify different thickness and grade material to ensure proper die set up

o Capable use of measurement devices such as tape measures, calipers, angle finders…...

o Safe operation of overhead crane to move material from pallets to the press brake table

o Properly transact work orders to capture labor and costs

o Maintain a clean and safe work area


· Shear

o Ability to operate a manual shear

o Ability to identify various sheet and plate steel

o Safe operation of overhead cranes to move material from racks to shear

o Capable of understanding measurement devices such as tape measures

o Properly transact work orders to capture labor and cost

o Maintain a clean and safe work area


· Small and Large Rollers

o Ability to set up both CNC and manual rollers

o Ability to identify various sheet and plate steel to determine roll tolerances

o Ability to program CNC roller for tolerance accuracy

o Safe operation of overhead crane to move material from pallets to rollers

Requirements:

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o High School Diploma or equivalent

o 1-2 years of relative experience operating manufacturing blanking equipment


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

o Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly

o Must be physically able to bend, stoop, squat, crawl and climb


PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

· Adheres to schedules and commits to meeting deadlines (Reliability)

· Displays a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail (Competency)

· Takes initiative to improve processes and solve problems (Innovation)

· Understands priorities and applies an appropriate sense of urgency to fulfilling them (Prioritization)

· Demonstrates ability to minimize distractions In order to maximize productivity (Focus)

Communicates effectively in a professional and personable manner (Communication