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Lead Press Brake Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Lead

Grandville, MI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

JIREH METAL PRODUCTS Lead Press Brake Operator Location : Grandville, MI Reports To : Production Manager I nterfaces With : Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance Role ...

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Press Brake Operator to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have previous press brake operating experience and be comfortable reading ...

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Press Brake Operator to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have previous press brake operating experience and be comfortable reading ...

Press Brake Operator Do you have at least 2 years of experience setting up and operating press brake machines in a manufacturing environment? If you're a skilled Press Brake Operator , Metal ...

Press Brake Operator

Stratford, CT · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Press Brake Lead Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Job Summary: The Press Brake Operator is responsible for operating, and maintaining press brake machines to bend and form metal components ...

Press Brake Operator

Clarence, NY · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Press Brake Operator: * Operate brakes and associated machinery to meet production requirements. * Gather, preset and install proper tooling and fixtures.

Press Brake Operator

Clarence, NY · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Press Brake Operator: * Operate brakes and associated machinery to meet production requirements. * Gather, preset and install proper tooling and fixtures.

Press Brake Operator

Lapeer, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Press Brake Operator UDM - Lapeer, MI 48446 Overview Level: Experienced Position Type: Full Time Job Shift: Day Category: Manufacturing Description 3-Dimensional Services Group is currently seeking a ...

Press Brake Operator

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Press Brake Operator Erlanger, KY **REQUIRES 1 YEAR PRIOR PRESS BRAKE OPERATING EXPERIENCE AND THE ABILITY TO DO SET-UPS, CHANGEOVERS AND PROGRAMMING THE MACHINE** RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must have prior ...

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Press Brake Operator

Everett, WA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Press Brake Operator Location: Marysville, WA Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM Join Metal Werks Inc, where craftsmanship meets innovation. At Metal Werks Inc, we don't just produce sheet ...

Press Brake Operator

Kent, WA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Press Brake Operator II Monday - Friday 2:00 PM - 12:30 AM Job Summary Performs set up and operation of press brake to cost effectively produce high quality steel, stainless steel or aluminum parts ...

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Lead Press Brake Operator information

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How much do lead press brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead press brake operator in the United States is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead press brake operator do?

A Lead Press Brake Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and overseeing the use of press brake machines to bend, shape, or cut metal and other materials. They often supervise a team of operators, ensure production schedules are met, and maintain quality standards. Their duties also include troubleshooting machine issues, training new employees, and ensuring safety protocols are followed in the fabrication process.

What are some common challenges lead press brake operators face when managing production schedules?

Lead Press Brake Operators often encounter challenges balancing tight production deadlines with maintaining quality standards. They must coordinate with team members to ensure that machine setups and tool changes are completed efficiently, minimizing downtime. Additionally, they are responsible for troubleshooting equipment issues quickly to prevent delays, while also training and supervising less experienced operators. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead press brake operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Press Brake Operator, you need expertise in metal fabrication, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC press brake controls, and safety regulations is essential for efficient machine setup and operation. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and ensure workflow efficiency. These skills are vital for producing high-quality components, maintaining safety, and meeting production targets in a manufacturing environment.

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

AspectLead Press Brake OperatorPress Brake Operator
CertificationsOften requires advanced training or certifications in machine operation and safetyTypically requires basic training or certification in press brake operation
Work EnvironmentSupervises and coordinates team, ensures quality, and maintains safety standardsOperates press brake machines to bend metal sheets according to specifications
ResponsibilitiesLeads production, troubleshooting, and quality controlSets up and runs press brake machines, follows work orders

The Lead Press Brake Operator generally has more responsibilities, including supervising others and ensuring quality standards, while the Press Brake Operator focuses primarily on machine operation and bending tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in manufacturing environments, but the lead position involves additional leadership duties.

More about Lead Press Brake Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Lead Press Brake Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Press Brake Operator job openings:

What job categories do people searching Lead Press Brake Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Press Brake Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Lead Press Brake Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,657 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Lead Press Brake Operator

Charlotte, NC • On-site


Kloeckner Metals Corporation
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents


$17 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

 Job Summary

The Lead Press Brake Operator is responsible for maintaining high levels of productivity and safety while working as part of a team to efficiently and accurately produce customer orders.

Summary of Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

  • Lead the Press Brake Department and support operators by coordinating workflow. Can solve complex problems without assistance from management
  • Operate various press brakes to produce parts according to P.V. specifications, using the correct material thickness, width, and length
  • Determine the appropriate machine to use based on capacity and part length
  • Safely operate overhead crane and forklift to move material as needed
  • Maintain consistent productivity while forming multiple parts of the same configuration

Qualifications

  • Perform first article inspections and make necessary adjustments to meet required radii
  • Direct assistants on placement of finished products and ensure machines and tools are cleaned and stored properly to maintain an orderly, safe work environment
  •  Keeps the machine and work area clean, orderly, and well-organized
  • Ensure daily machine checks are completed, and preventative maintenance is performed
  • Ability to pass a physical examination for vision, hearing, and mobility
  • Demonstrated reliable work history
  • Performs other duties as assigned

  Benefits 

  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Health insurance – Medical/Prescription Drug
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Wellness Stipend
  • Paid Life insurance
  • Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Adoption Assistance (Financial)
  • Adoption & Fertility Navigation Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discount
  • Tuition reimbursement 


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