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Press Brake Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Printing Press Support Officier Job Category: Engineering and Technical Support Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph Employee Type: Regular Percentage of ...

ABOUT THE ROLE The Large Format Press Operator is responsible for running and maintaining a variety of Large Format Output devices, including 3.2 Meter UV Hybrids, Flatbeds, and 64-inch Roll-to-Roll ...

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Press Brake information

What is a press brake operator?

Press brake operators are skilled workers who use press brake machines to bend, shape, and form metal sheets into specific components or products. They set up the machine, select appropriate dies, program bending sequences, and ensure that parts meet precise specifications. Press brake operators also inspect finished products for quality and may perform routine maintenance on the equipment. Their work is vital in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a press brake operator?

To thrive as a Press Brake Operator, you need a solid understanding of metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and machine operation, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC press brake machines, measuring tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some positions may require certifications such as OSHA safety training. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing precise components, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring efficient workflow in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by press brake operators and how can they be addressed?

Press Brake Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise bends, handling varied material types, and keeping up with production schedules. Accuracy is crucial, so operators must regularly calibrate their machines and inspect finished parts for quality. Additionally, adapting to different materials requires understanding their properties and adjusting settings accordingly. Effective communication with team members, such as engineers and quality control staff, helps ensure specifications are met and production runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Press Brake vs CNC Operator?

AspectPress BrakeCNC Operator
Primary RoleBends and shapes metal sheets using a press brake machineOperates CNC machines to cut, shape, or drill materials
Skills & CertificationsMachine operation, blueprint reading, safety trainingCNC programming, machine operation, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or fabrication shops with metalworking equipmentFactories, machine shops, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageMetal fabrication, manufacturing, constructionManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, metalworking

Both Press Brake operators and CNC operators work in manufacturing environments and require knowledge of machine operation and safety. While Press Brake operators focus on bending metal sheets, CNC operators handle a broader range of machining tasks, including cutting and drilling. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and career goals.

How do you become a press brake operator?

To become a press brake operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should learn to operate press brake machines through on-the-job training or technical programs. Skills in reading blueprints, understanding measurements, and safety procedures are essential, and some employers may require certification in machine operation or safety standards.

Is press brake operation a good career?

Press brake operation is a skilled manufacturing job that involves bending metal sheets using specialized machinery. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially for those with technical training or certifications, and can lead to advancement into supervisory or specialized roles. The job typically requires attention to safety protocols and precision work in a manufacturing environment.

What does a press brake operator make?

A press brake operator typically earns an average hourly wage ranging from $15 to $25, depending on experience, location, and industry. They may also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and often need skills in machine setup, precision measurement, and safety procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Press Brake jobs in Washington?

For Press Brake jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Press Brake jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Press Brake jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Press Brake job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Press Journeyman/Woman

Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$48K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare presses for nightly operation of Dow Jones & Co. publications.

  • Perform press operations to improve production quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

  • Maintain equipment, make adjustments, and keep operational and maintenance records.


Dow Jones rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 19 rated publishing


Job description

Job Description:
About the Team:
The Print Team supports the end-to-end lifecycle of Dow Jones' print publications-including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, and the New York Post.
Operating across ad intake, production workflows, plant operations, printing, packaging, single copy and amenity sales, Reprints and Licensing, and distribution; the team collaborates with internal cross-functional partners and external vendors, distributors, and the USPS to ensure quality, content freshness, safety, and cost efficiency from creation to final delivery.
About the Role
Production department: Printing and packaging of various newspaper titles including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investors business daily and New York Post. You will perform daily press operations in the manufacturing of Dow Jones' and contract print publications in a cost-effective manner, with the highest quality standards available using existing technology. This includes Preparing, Operating and Maintain newspaper printing presses and all associated pressroom equipment. You will report to the Foreman/Woman and be based in White Oak, Maryland.
You Will:
  • Prepare presses for nightly operation of Dow Jones & Co. publications.
  • Perform press operations to continuously improve upon the Production Quality Score, which integrates key performance measures such as reproduction quality, content freshness, productivity, and cost-effective materials consumption.
  • Maintain open communication with supervisor and other employees to reach the goals and objectives of the department.
  • Assist in the training of new employees.
  • Meet established performance standards, attend recommended training and complete active assignments.
  • Understand and follow all corporate and plant policies/practices.
  • Keep accurate, useful and timely operational and maintenance records.
  • Work with the production manager to set equipment maintenance priorities.
  • Make pasters, web presses, push rolls, hang printing plates, set color and registration and general equipment cleaning and maintenance.
  • Meet customer expectations for reproduction quality, content freshness and productivity, while managing materials consumption cost-effectively.

You Have:
  • 4-5 Years of newspaper press experience.
  • Ability to stand for 7.25 hours, be able to lift 50 lbs., kneel, bend, stoop and reach out and over head, climb stairs and ladders and push rolls of newsprint.
  • High School Graduate/GED or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • Good color perception and are mechanically inclined.
  • Previous experience in a production environment preferably in cold web offset newspaper printing production environment.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient in the use of business PC applications and press controls.

Our Benefits
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Plans
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
  • Education Benefits
  • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Family Care Benefits
  • Subscription Discounts
  • Employee Referral Program

#LI-Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.
Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.
Business Area:
Dow Jones - Print Operations
Job Category:
Production & Skilled Trades
Union Status:
Non-Union role
Base Pay Range: $48,048 - $70,000
We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.
For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.
For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

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