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Press Brake Set Up Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator

Erlanger, KY Β· On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Press Brake Operator **REQUIRES 1 YEAR PRIOR PRESS BRAKE OPERATING EXPERIENCE AND THE ABILITY TO DO ... Must be able to program, set-up and adjust a Press Brake * Must understand shop math and angles

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Set up and operate press brake machines to bend metal parts according to blueprints and work orders ... Previous experience operating press brake machines (preferred: 1-3+ years) * Ability to read and ...

Press Brake Operator - 3rd Shift

Pine Level, NC Β· On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Description: As a Press Brake Operator, you will form sheet metal by applying appropriate sheet ... Follow brake set up sheets to position and align tooling per specifications for simple parts (less ...

Brake Press Operator

Rogers, MN Β· On-site

$22 - $30/hr

In this position, you'll set up, operate, and maintain press brake machines used to bend and form ... As a Press Brake Operator, you will apply your expertise in mechanics, shop mathematics, and metal ...

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Press Brake Operator

Chino, CA Β· On-site

$20 - $25/hr

If you have experience operating CNC press brake machines, reading blueprints, and working in a ... Set up and operate CNC press brake machines (Amada, Trumpf, Cincinnati, or similar). * Read and ...

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Press Brake Operator

Evans, GA Β· On-site

$20 - $31/hr

The Press Brake Operator plays a vital role in the production team by accurately setting up and ... Set up press brake machinery according to job specifications * Operate press brake to bend and ...

Press Brake Operator

Miamisburg, OH Β· On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Set up and operate press brake machines (CNC) to form metal components * Read and interpret ... Previous experience operating a press brake or similar fabrication equipment * Ability to read ...

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CNC Press Brake Specialist

Tomball, TX Β· On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Armada Press Brake - Set-Up / Operate / Maintain / *Program * Piranha Laser Table- Set-Up / Operate / Maintain / *Program * Miller Robot Welder - Set-Up / Operate / Maintain / *Program * Piranha ...

Press Brake Operator

Miamisburg, OH Β· On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Set up and operate press brake machines (CNC) to form metal components * Read and interpret ... Previous experience operating a press brake or similar fabrication equipment * Ability to read ...

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Press Brake Set Up Operator information

See salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do press brake set up operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for press brake set up 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 press brake operator make?

A press brake operator makes metal parts by setting up and operating a press brake machine to bend and shape sheet metal according to specifications. They typically earn an hourly wage or salary, which varies based on experience, location, and industry, with some roles offering additional benefits. Skills in machine setup, precision measurement, and safety are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Press Brake Set Up Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading skills, and experience with metal fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC press brake machines, measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers, and safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help ensure accurate setups and efficient teamwork. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining production quality, minimizing errors, and ensuring workplace safety.

What Skills do you need to be a press brake operator?

A press brake operator needs skills in reading blueprints and technical drawings, understanding machine controls, and measuring and inspecting parts for accuracy. Proficiency with hand tools, attention to detail, and the ability to operate and troubleshoot press brake machinery are essential. Basic math skills and knowledge of safety procedures are also important for the role.

How do I become a brake press operator?

To become a brake press operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with metalworking tools, safety procedures, and the ability to read blueprints are important skills for this role.

What is the difference between Press Brake Set Up Operator vs CNC Machine Operator?

AspectPress Brake Set Up OperatorCNC Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, or certifications in machine operationHigh school diploma, technical training, or certifications in CNC programming and operation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing shops, metal fabrication facilitiesManufacturing plants, metalworking shops, fabrication facilities
Job FocusSetting up and operating press brakes for bending metal sheetsProgramming, setting up, and operating CNC machines for various manufacturing tasks

While both roles involve metalworking in manufacturing environments, the Press Brake Set Up Operator specializes in configuring and operating press brakes for bending metal, whereas the CNC Machine Operator handles a broader range of CNC equipment for diverse machining tasks. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and industry needs.

What are some common challenges Press Brake Set Up Operators face when working with new or complex metal forming projects?

Press Brake Set Up Operators often encounter challenges when working with new or complex metal forming projects, such as interpreting intricate blueprints, ensuring precise machine calibration, and selecting appropriate tooling for unique bends. These tasks require strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills to prevent material waste or production delays. Operators frequently collaborate with engineers and quality control staff to resolve issues and optimize processes, making teamwork and communication essential in this role.

Is press brake operator a good career?

A press brake operator is a skilled manufacturing worker responsible for setting up and operating press brake machines to bend metal sheets. The role offers steady employment opportunities, especially in manufacturing and fabrication industries, and often requires technical training or certifications. It can be a stable career path with potential for advancement into supervisory or technical roles.

What does a Press Brake Set Up Operator do?

A Press Brake Set Up Operator is responsible for setting up and operating press brake machines, which are used to bend, form, or shape metal sheets and plates according to specifications. They read blueprints or work orders, select appropriate tooling, adjust machine settings, and ensure quality standards are met during production. Their role is critical in manufacturing industries that require precise metal fabrication, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.
More about Press Brake Set Up Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Press Brake Set Up Operator jobs? Cities with the most Press Brake Set Up Operator job openings:
What states have the most Press Brake Set Up Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Press Brake Set Up Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Press Brake Set Up Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,657 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Press Brake Set-up I - Weekend Shift

Cadrex Dresser, Osceola & Westminster

Dresser, WI β€’ On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

OVERVIEW

Cadrex is searching for a Press Brake Set Up I to perform a variety of duties to set-up and adjust specialized tooling and equipment on brake machines, for production or assembly processes. May also assign personnel to various duties. May serve as a Lead in the absence of a lead or supervisor.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Performs set-up duties to prepare brake machines and processes, for production or assembly
  • Installs, adjusts, changes, and aligns tooling and equipment, to prepare for production operations
  • Works from schedules and instructions to analyze machines, process problems, and/or determine solutions
  • Monitors processes and recommends improvements to increase productivity and assure quality
  • Uses precision measuring tools on a continuous basis to verify accuracy of formed products, based on AQL frequency
  • Assures that all materials are available at machines and workstations
  • Assures proper quality during all phases of production. This includes, but is not limited to, materials and packaging, a variety of duties to set-up and adjust specialized tooling and equipment on brake machines, to prepare them Operates the brake machine to assemble sheets, and bend and form metal, in a consistent manner in accordance with customer specification(s) by:Β 
  • Placing parts on a die
  • Adjusting to ensure proper placement on a consistent basis
  • Ensuring that angles and dimensions are correct
  • Ensuring the proper sequence of process and required quantity of output
  • Make minor adjustments and clear alarms
  • Read blueprints
  • Understand the assembly process and the movement of completed components
  • Uses safety straps, machine guards, and/or laser guards, and maintains a -inch gap to ensure safe machine operation
  • Uses precision measuring tools, such as a caliper, height gauge, and/or other precision measuring tools on a continuous basis to verify the accuracy of formed products, based on AQL frequency
  • Ensures that all materials are available at machines and workstations, and are of proper quality during all phases of production. This includes but is not limited to materials and packaging
  • Assures efficient production through all phases of their area of production
  • Executes proper inspection methods to receive approval to start a job and make periodic quality checks of product to ensure that quality standards are met.? Also assist operators with, and train them in, the proper techniques of product inspection
  • Assist in maintaining equipment and keeping work areas clean and orderly
  • Instructs and assists operators and other workers in machine operation, process setup, quality standards, and process documentation
  • Assists operators with measuring, blueprint-reading, and minor adjustments
  • Report and prevent equipment and process malfunctions, material discrepancies, and documentation errors
  • Works within his/her area to assure production flows in an efficient manner. This includes planning for smooth transition to the next schedule job for their area
  • Ensure that all paperwork and documentation is completed in an accurate and timely manner
  • May perform the duties of Brake Operator I or Brake Operator II, as necessary
  • May train new employees, provide work instruction, and answer questions in the absence of a lead or supervisor

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Prior assembly or machine operator set-up experience
  • Demonstrates proven ability to set up all machines and process to company specifications in a timely manner, with little to no scrap
  • Understand the assembly and machine operations process and the movement of completed components
  • Produce high-quality products according to required output specifications
  • Be able to use computers as required
  • Be able to use precision measuring tools as required
  • Be able to use CADKEY
  • Be able to make adjustment and clear machine alarms
  • Be able to read blueprints
  • Be able to complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely fashion
  • Be able to operate all hand tools, machines, and equipment as required with minimal supervision
  • Be able to handle fast-paced work
  • Be able to work as a productive team member who actively contributes to the organization's success
  • Be able to take initiative to ensure that needed tasks are completed without being instructed to do so by leads or supervisors

EDUCATION

  • High School diploma.Β 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

LOCATION

  • Onsite

SCHEDULE

  • F - Su; 5:45am - 6:15pm

CADREX'S CORE VALUES

  • Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

  • Health/dental/vision coverage
  • Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off and holiday pay
  • Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
  • 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
  • Education support program
  • Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
  • Referral bonuses
  • Bonus plan for all full-time employeesΒ 

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com.Β 

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.