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Brake Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator

De Pere, WI ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

... operators, press brake programmer (using Dr. Abe), and other departments regarding job timing, process, flow and new projects ยจ Meet and maintain quality and performance expectations including ...

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WE IDEALLY SEEK PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AS A PRESS BRAKE OPERATOR, BUT WE WILL ALSO CONSIDER OTHER TYPES OF CNC MACHINE OPERATORS OR OTHER TYPES OF MANUFACTURING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OPERATORS THAT ...

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Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Press Brake Operator - 1st Shift to join our team on Badger Dr. in Waukesha, WI! The hourly rate for this position is $24.45 per hour. The core ...

Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Press Brake Operator - 3rd Shift to join our team on Badger Dr. in Waukesha, WI! The hourly rate for this position is $22.30 + $2.50 shift ...

Press Brake Operator

Manitowoc, WI

$17.75 - $23/hr

Description Come grow with us and join our Press Brake team! With new machines being added and better technology being leveraged, we have plenty of opportunities for growth and development. We have ...

Come grow with us and join our Press Brake team! With new machines being added and better technology being leveraged, we have plenty of opportunities for growth and development. We have positions ...

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Brake Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$14

$18

$23

How much do brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for brake operator in Wisconsin is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.66 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 the highest paying machine operator job?

Brake operators are specialized machine operators who work with brake presses in manufacturing. Generally, machine operators with advanced skills, certifications, or experience in industries like aerospace or oil and gas tend to earn higher wages. Supervisory or lead roles in machine operation also offer higher pay compared to entry-level positions.

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.

Is it hard to be a brake press operator?

Brake press operators are responsible for setting up and operating hydraulic or mechanical presses to shape metal parts, requiring attention to detail and safety awareness. The job involves understanding machine controls, reading technical drawings, and often requires physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols. While it can be physically demanding, proper training and experience help make the role manageable.

What does a brake operator do?

A brake operator is responsible for operating and maintaining brake presses and other machinery used to shape and cut metal or other materials. They set up equipment, monitor the production process, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Attention to detail and knowledge of machine operation are essential for this role.

Is there demand for brake operators?

Brake operators are in demand in manufacturing and industrial settings where machinery and equipment require precise control. Employment opportunities depend on industry growth and automation levels, with skills in machinery operation and safety protocols being important. Overall, demand remains steady in sectors that rely on manual or semi-automated brake processes.

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 Wisconsin? For Brake Operator jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Brake Operator jobs in WI? For Brake Operator jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Press Brake Operator

American Alloy, Green Bay

De Pere, WI โ€ข On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

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Job description

Description:

2nd shift- 15% shift premium

This position is responsible for the daily setup and operation of hydraulic CNC controlled press brakes in a fabrication shop with some assistance provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this position successfully, a team member must perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. These functions are representative, but not all-inclusive, of what is necessary to succeed in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned

ยจ Read customer orders and completing all projects to specifications

ยจ Read production schedules and determine materials needed

ยจ Prepare and run complex bend setups and forming operations. This includes custom punch/die modification used in combination with other tooling (either standard or custom). Complex programming using all features of the press brake (i.e. bending at angles, step bends, proper back gauge transfer between steps, delays, etc).

ยจ Set up, operate and tend to machine

ยจ Position all pieces into machine to match will all customer requirements

ยจ Communicate with other operators, press brake programmer (using Dr. Abe), and other departments regarding job timing, process, flow and new projects

ยจ Meet and maintain quality and performance expectations including efficiencies and productivity standards

ยจ Demonstrate a full understanding of print reading and geometric tolerances and how they relate to the finished part

ยจ Demonstrate and apply understanding of flat pattern layout

ยจ Measure work piece dimensions to determine accuracy

ยจ Maintain a clean and organized work area

ยจ Identify areas for process improvement, cost and waste reduction

ยจ Communicate and work well with other departments and team members regarding accurate and timely completion of projects

ยจ Demonstrate initiative and willingness to undertake increased responsibility

ยจ Exhibit ability to prioritize and plan work activities, manage time efficiently and meet objectives to complete projects

ยจ Demonstrate team work by offering assistance, responding positively to constructive feedback and interacting with other team members in a helpful and goal oriented manner

Other job duties as assigned per the needs of the Shop and the Company

Minimum Qualifications:

ยจ Must have strong metal press forming and basic fabrication background

ยจ 2+ yrs experience running a press brake

ยจ Ability to operate both a manual and automated press brake


Requirements:

Preferred Requirements:ยจ Amada press brake experience preferred but not requiredยจ Basic knowledge and understanding of fabrication, hydraulic press and/or punch operations including basic set up is desiredยจ Competent at basic dimensional measuring and able to quickly learn the use of precision measurement toolsยจ Ability to work with various types of metal forming constraintsยจ Strong mathematical and analytical skillsยจ Excellent blue print reading and interpretation skillsยจ Ability to follow verbal and written work ordersยจ Commitment to quality and accuracy of work performedยจ Ability to perform inspection of parts using measurement toolsยจ Excellent understanding of safety practices and procedures in fabricating environmentKey Abilities Needed to Complete Essential Functions:

  • Perform all assigned tasks
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions
  • Use and wear personal protective equipment as indicated by the task or environment
  • Perform basic counting tasks
  • Read tape measure, safety manuals, work orders, and blue prints effectively
  • Understand and identify safety issues
  • Commitment to the companyโ€™s mission, and vision

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)This job requires team member to be in good general health with good balance, agility, and vision abilities. Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.Usual and customary methods of performing this jobโ€™s functions require the following physical demands: lifting (10 pounds regularly, 25 โ€“ 50 pounds frequently), standing (up to 12 hours), carrying, pushing, reaching and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stopping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant manual dexterity.The job is performed under temperature variations and some hazardous conditions. Team member regularly works near moving mechanical parts, works with broad range of electrical tools, and exposed to potential risk of electrical shock for which several safety precautions are mandatory. Safety gear and clothing is required, including but not necessarily limited to, safety shoes, eye protection, safety gloves, protective apparel and where applicable, a welding shield.Job Type: Full-time