Press Brake Operator (III) - 1st Shift

Job Title: Press Brake Operator (III) - 1st Shift

Location: Carol Stream, IL 60188 (On-Site)

Type: Full-Time

Shift/Schedule: 1st Shift, Mon - Fri, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Job Summary

We are seeking a Press Brake Operator (Level III)to set up, program, and operate metal bending equipment while serving as a team lead and mentor on 1st shift. This role requires a high degree of technical expertise in sheet metal forming, blueprint reading, bend sequence identification, and CNC program creation. They will calibrate equipment, maintain tool libraries, lead safety initiatives, and partner closely with plant leadership to drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Create new bending programs on press brake controllers, set up precision tooling, and calibrate machines to exact production specifications.
• Manage tool libraries, calculate V-die openings relative to material thickness, and establish correct bend sequences without reference sheets.
• Execute complex forming techniques (hemming, offsets) and apply exact shim adjustments (.010, .020) to ensure tight bend tolerances.
• Train, coach, and mentor junior press brake operators to elevate team performance, quality outputs, and cell efficiency.
• Read and interpret complex technical blueprints, engineering drawings, control plans, and customer work instructions.
• Perform detailed quality checks on precision parts using measurement tools, including calipers, height gauges, and combination squares.
• Partner with maintenance personnel to schedule, track, and complete required preventative maintenance (PM) routines on machinery.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve intricate production, tooling, and material forming defects in real time.
• Support daily production scheduling, report defective materials, and maintain active communication with plant leadership.
• Lead cell safety protocols, model proper PPE standards, and actively contribute to facility safety meetings and initiatives.
• Streamline setup processes, optimize program parameters, and exceed established company metrics for scrap reduction and output.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free fabrication work area in compliance with 5S principles.

Required Skills & Experience

• 4+ years of hands-on experience setting up, operating, and programming CNC press brakes in a sheet metal manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of V-opening ratios relative to sheet thickness, hemming/offset tooling, and precise shimming procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to write new press brake programs independently and establish unassisted bend sequences.
• Proven talent in interpreting fabrication blueprints and using precision hand measurement tools (calipers, squares, protractors).
• Prior experience training, mentoring, or acting as an informal lead/supervisor for machine operators.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, handle/feel materials, and talk/hear. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Active manufacturing plant floor with frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, moderate-to-loud noise, and machinery vibration.

Benefits

• 401(k) investment plan
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees
• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement