Press Brake Operator

Aerotek; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Hamilton, Ontario is seeking a Press Brake Operator to set up and run manual or CNC press brake machines in a busy fabrication shop. You will read blueprints, interpret bills of materials, and perform precise bends to meet specifications while safely handling materials with overhead cranes and forklifts.

The role requires familiarity with basic mathematics, the ability to work from detailed drawings, and a disciplined approach to quality.

Qualifications

• Reading blueprints and technical drawings to verify bend sequences and tolerances.
• Basic mathematics for measuring, bend allowances, and part dimensions.
• Experience operating manual or CNC press brake equipment with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret bills of materials and blueprints at each shift.
• Pull and stage materials using overhead crane or forklift.
• Set up press brake machines to required dimensions as per BOM and drawings.
• Operate press brake equipment to bend metal plates to specified lengths and angles.
• Maintain high accuracy and quality in bending and forming processes.
• Verify measurements and tolerances using drawings and blueprints.
• Monitor machine operation and adjust as needed for quality control.
• Follow safety procedures when handling materials with cranes and forklifts.
• Work independently after training while coordinating with a small back-shop team.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area in a dusty fabrication shop environment.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mathematics

Press brake operation

Overhead crane operation

Forklift operation

Machine setup

Team collaboration

Tools

Overhead crane

Forklift

Job description

Press Brake Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating manual or CNC press brake machines to bend and form metal plates according to detailed specifications. The Press Brake Operator reads and interprets bills of materials and blueprints, pulls and stages required materials using overhead cranes and forklifts, sets up machines to precise dimensions, and performs accurate bends to meet production and quality standards in a busy fabrication shop.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret the bill of materials at the beginning of each shift to understand production requirements and specifications.
• Pull and stage all required materials from inventory using the overhead crane and, when needed, a forklift.
• Set up press brake machines (manual or CNC) according to the dimensions and requirements outlined in the bill of materials and blueprints.
• Operate press brake equipment to bend metal plates and materials to the correct lengths, angles, and dimensions.
• Perform metal forming operations, including bending and rolling, while maintaining high accuracy and consistency.
• Use blueprints and technical drawings to verify measurements, tolerances, and bend sequences before and during production.
• Apply basic mathematics skills to calculate measurements, bend allowances, and verify part dimensions.
• Monitor machine operation and make adjustments as needed to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
• Handle materials safely and efficiently with overhead cranes and forklifts, following all safety procedures.
• Work independently after the training period, managing daily tasks and maintaining productivity with minimal supervision.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in a dirty and dusty shop environment, following housekeeping and safety standards.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toe footwear and safety glasses, at all times in the shop.
• Collaborate with 2–3 team members in the back shop, communicating effectively to coordinate workflow and support production goals.
• Adapt to working day and future afternoon shifts as needed to support increased workload and production demands.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 1 year of experience operating manual or CNC machines, specifically bender or brake press equipment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong basic mathematics skills for measuring, calculating, and verifying dimensions.
• Experience with press brake machines and metal forming processes, including bending plates of metal.
• Ability to operate overhead cranes safely and efficiently for material handling.
• Ability to operate forklifts for moving and staging materials as required.
• Capability to set up machines according to specified dimensions and production requirements.
• Comfort working in a dirty, dusty, and sometimes loud shop environment.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently after completing training.
• Reliability and flexibility to work day and afternoon shifts as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Overhead crane experience is considered a strong asset.
• Experience working in a custom fabrication environment is an advantage.
• Familiarity with roller machines and additional metal forming equipment is beneficial.
• Ability to collaborate with a small team while managing individual tasks.
• Attention to detail and commitment to meeting quality standards in metal fabrication.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a welcoming and relaxed shop culture with regular social events such as summer BBQs and a festive kids’ Christmas party with Santa during the holidays. The workplace offers a new lounge and game room on the second floor, providing a comfortable space to unwind during breaks. Team members benefit from a supportive environment that values camaraderie, work-life balance, and a sense of community.

Work Environment

The role is based in the back shop, working closely with a small team of 2–3 people while performing tasks that are largely independent after the training period. The environment is a typical fabrication shop that can be dirty, dusty, and loud when machines are running. Steel-toe footwear and safety glasses are required at all times, and PPE compliance is strictly enforced. Work is performed around press brake machines, rollers, overhead cranes, and forklifts. Candidates must be available for day and afternoon shifts; the current schedule runs approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an afternoon shift expected to be introduced to support increased workload.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hamilton, ON.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $29.75/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.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hamilton,ON.

Ordonnance sur l’égalité des chances de San Francisco:

Conformément à l’Ordonnance sur l’égalité des chances de San Francisco, pour tous les postes situés dans la ville et le comté de San Francisco, nous examinerons les candidatures des personnes qualifiées ayant un casier judiciaire ou des antécédents criminels.

Utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle (IA):

Nous pouvons utiliser l’intelligence artificielle (IA) pour soutenir certaines étapes de notre processus d’embauche, notamment la recherche, la présélection et l’évaluation des candidatures. L’IA aide à analyser les candidatures et les qualifications, mais les décisions finales sont prises par notre équipe de recrutement. En soumettant votre candidature, vous reconnaissez et acceptez que celle-ci puisse être examinée à l’aide d’outils d’IA.

La société souscrit au principe d’égalité d’accès à l’emploi et examinera toutes les candidatures sans tenir compte de la race, du sexe, de l’âge, de la couleur, de la religion, de l’origine nationale, du statut de vétéran, de handicap, de l’orientation sexuelle, de l’identité de genre, de l’information génétique ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi.

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.

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.