Press Brake Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Job Description

The Press Brake Operator sets up, programs, and operates press brake machinery to bend, shape, and cut metal components to precise specifications. This role ensures high-quality production through accurate blueprint reading, careful inspection, and routine machine maintenance in a busy fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up the press brake by reading and interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate tooling, and determining the required working tonnage and tool positions.
• Program the press brake for each job, including entering correct parameters and running test bends to identify and correct any errors before full production.
• Operate the press brake safely and efficiently to bend, shape, and cut metal parts for tools, equipment, and other components according to specifications.
• Inspect finished products for defects, verify measurements, and ensure all parts meet established quality and dimensional standards.
• Perform routine maintenance on the press brake, including basic adjustments, cleaning, and ensuring the machine is properly stocked with required materials.
• Monitor material levels and confirm that sufficient raw materials are available to meet production needs and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot issues with the press brake and related equipment, identifying root causes and making necessary adjustments or escalations to maintain productivity.
• Conduct changeovers between jobs, including tooling changes, program updates, and setup adjustments to meet new job requirements.
• Operate related machinery such as lathes and mills as needed to support production and meet project specifications.
• Use precision measuring tools such as calipers and tape measures to verify part dimensions and maintain tight tolerances.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety guidelines and housekeeping standards.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules, resolve issues, and continuously improve processes.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating a press brake in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Hands-on experience with press brake setup, including tooling selection and tonnage calculations.
• Proficiency in programming press brake machinery for various jobs and materials.
• Skill in using precision measurement tools such as calipers and tape measures to verify part dimensions.
• Capability to troubleshoot press brake and machine operation issues and make appropriate adjustments.
• Comfort operating production machinery, including press brakes, lathes, and mills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to meeting quality and dimensional standards.
• Ability to maintain equipment through routine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Strong organizational skills to keep the work area clean, orderly, and efficient.
• Understanding of safe work practices in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with changeover procedures, including tooling changes and program updates between jobs.
• Experience in machine setup and operation in a metal fabrication or similar industrial setting.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting production and quality issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with production teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new processes and equipment.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a fast-growing organization that values their contributions and invests in their future. The company offers annual pay increases, advancement opportunities, and a laid-back, supportive environment where people are treated with high respect and encouraged to develop their skills and careers.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, open manufacturing facility that is not temperature controlled, so conditions may vary with the seasons. The work involves operating and maintaining press brakes and other industrial machinery in an active production setting. Team members work on the shop floor around metal fabrication equipment and are expected to follow all safety guidelines, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized workspace.

This is a Contract position based out of Oak Ridge, TN.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Oak Ridge,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.