Press Brake Operative

Osborne Appointments; Buntingford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

OA Group advertises a Press Brake Operator role on behalf of its client. The successful candidate will set up and operate press brake machinery, read technical drawings, and select appropriate tooling to produce high-quality sheet metal components.

The role requires 1–3 years of hands-on fabrication experience, strong measurement skills with calipers and protractors, and a willingness to learn new equipment while adhering to PPE and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and blueprints.
• Hands-on experience with press brake machinery and production environments.
• Strong understanding of tooling, bend allowances and material behaviour.
• Competent use of calipers, angle gauges and protractors.
• Familiarity with CNC programming interfaces; CAM/offline programming is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake machinery according to job specs.
• Program machine settings, bend sequences, and back-gauge positions from drawings.
• Select and install tooling, punches and dies for each job.
• Load position sheet metal materials safely and accurately.
• Perform test bends and adjust to meet tolerances.
• Monitor performance and respond to alarms or errors.

Skills

Blueprint reading

CNC programming

Measuring tools

Tooling knowledge

Safety protocols

Attention to detail

Tools

CAM software

Offline programming

Job description

An excellent opportunity has now arisen for a Press Brake Operator to join our clients successful team.

Duties of a Press Brake Operator:

• Set up and operate press brake machinery in line with job specifications and production requirements.
• Program machine settings, bend sequences, and back‑gauge positions based on technical drawings.
• Select and install appropriate tooling, punches, and dies for each job.
• Load and position sheet metal materials safely and accurately.
• Perform test bends and make adjustments to achieve correct angles, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Monitor machine performance and respond to alarms, errors, or irregularities.

What we would like from you:

• Technical Expertise: Experience setting up and operating press brake machinery, with the ability to read and interpret technical blueprints and engineering specifications.
• Industry Experience: Typically 1–3 years of hands‑on experience in sheet‑metal fabrication or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Tooling Knowledge: Strong understanding of press brake tooling , bend allowances, and material behaviour.
• Measurement Skills: Competent use of measuring equipment such as calipers, angle gauges, and protractors.
• Software Familiarity: Experience with CNC press brake programming interfaces; knowledge of CAM or offline programming software is beneficial.
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality components with consistent precision.
• Physical & Safety Requirements: Ability to lift and handle sheet‑metal materials, stand for extended periods, and follow strict PPE and safety protocols.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and production methods as required.

By applying to this job advertisement, you confirm you have read and understood our Data Protection and Privacy statement and give OA Group authorisation to hold you provided data.

Thank you for your interest in this vacancy, which is being advertised by OA Group, who are acting as an employment agency / business. Your application will be considered in competition with others and we will contact you within 3 working days.