Press Brake Technician

The Hire Place LLP; Shortstown; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable manufacturing business in Bedford is seeking an experienced Press Brake Programmer / Setter Operator. The role involves creating accurate offline programs, setting and operating press brake machinery, and ensuring quality production. Candidates should have proven experience in press brake programming and operation, along with knowledge of sheet metal processes. Benefits include a competitive salary (£35,000–£39,500), 20 days of holiday plus bank holidays, and support for CADMAN training.

Benefits

Competitive salary

20 Days Holiday + 8 Bank hols

Support for cross-skilled programmers to CADMAN

Qualifications

• Proven experience in offline Press Brake Programming.
• Solid experience in setting and operating press brake machines.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Produce and optimise offline press brake programs.
• Set and operate press brake machinery to manufacture sheet metal components.
• Interpret engineering drawings and create efficient bend sequences.

Skills

Press Brake Programming

Setting and Operating Press Brake Machines

Reading Engineering Drawings

Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes

Material Springback Knowledge

Tooling Knowledge

Tools

LVD CADMAN

Radan/Radbend

Bystronic BySoft

Trumpf TruBend

Amada Dr.ABE Bend

AutoPOL

SolidWorks

Job description

A well-established and growing manufacturing business in the Bedford area is seeking an experienced Press Brake Programmer / Setter Operator. This is a key role combining offline programming with hands‑on setting and operating of press brake machinery.

The Role

You will be responsible for creating accurate offline programs and ensuring high-quality production output on the shop floor. This is a varied role offering ownership of the full process—from programming through to setting and operating.

Key Responsibilities :

• Produce and optimise offline press brake programs (CADMAN preferred).
• Set and operate press brake machinery to manufacture sheet metal components.
• Interpret engineering drawings and create efficient bend sequences.
• Work with a range of materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, zintec, and galvanised steel (typically 1.0mm–6.0mm).
• Carry out first‑off checks and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Provide feedback to improve programs, tooling selection, and processes.
• Support continuous improvement across programming and production.

Software Experience

The company predominantly uses LVD CADMAN, but candidates with experience using other offline programming systems are strongly encouraged to apply, including :

• Radan / Radbend
• Bystronic BySoft / BySoft Bend
• Trumpf TruBend / TecZone Bend
• Amada Dr.ABE Bend
• AutoPOL
• SolidWorks (Sheet Metal)

If you have experience with any equivalent offline bending software and are happy to train on CADMAN, full support will be provided.

About You

To succeed in this role, you should have :

• Proven experience in offline Press Brake Programming.
• Solid experience setting and operating press brake machines.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings confidently.
• Knowledge of bend allowances, tooling, material springback, and setup optimisation.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn new systems.

Benefits :

Competitive salary (£35,000–£39,500).

20 Days Holiday + 8 Bank hols

Support for cross‑skilled programmers to CADMAN.

8 : 30am - 5 : 00pm - Monday - Friday

Immediate starts available for candidates with the right skills and attitudes, so if you're interested, please apply immediately to be considered