Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator

Express Skilled Trades - Kansas City; Riverside (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Skilled Trades - Kansas City is seeking an experienced 3rd shift Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator to operate, set up, and maintain CNC brake press and laser cutting equipment to produce metal parts that meet customer specifications, production requirements, and quality standards.

You will read blueprints, perform first-piece inspections, and use precision measuring tools like tape measures, calipers, and verniers.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC brake presses, press brakes, CNC lasers, or similar metal fabrication equipment.
• Manufacturing or metal fabrication experience preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Adept with precision measurement tools and first-piece inspections.
• Follow safety and lockout/tagout procedures; maintain quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor CNC brake press and CNC laser equipment per drawings and specs.
• Set up machines, change tooling, load programs, and adjust for dimensions.
• Read blueprints and perform first-piece inspections for quality before continuing.
• Use measuring tools (tape, calipers, verniers) to verify tolerances.
• Fabricate, bend, cut, and assemble metal parts per customer specs.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical/electrical issues and maintain safe operations.
• Maintain machine logs, shift reports, and housekeeping; follow LOTO and PPE rules.

Skills

CNC operation

Blueprint reading

First-piece inspection

Quality awareness

LOTO procedures

Independent work

Tools

CNC Laser Cutter

Brake Press

Tape Measures

Calipers

Verniers

Job description

Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator – 3rd Shift**Shift Information: **Sunday-Thursday 10pm-6:30am.There will be a training period that will be on 2ndshift, Monday-Friday 2:30pm-11pm.Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced 3rd Shift Brake Press / CNC Laser Operator to join a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC brake press and laser cutting equipment to produce high-quality metal parts and assemblies that meet customer specifications, production requirements, and quality standards.The ideal candidate will have experience in metal fabrication, CNC machinery, brake press operation, laser cutting, machine setup, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and troubleshooting. Because this is a 3rd shift / skeleton crew position, the ability to work independently, manage priorities, and maintain production flow with minimal supervision is essential.Key ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor CNC brake press and CNC laser equipment to produce metal components according to drawings, specifications, and production requirements.Set up machines, select and change tooling, load programs, and make adjustments to achieve required dimensions, bends, cuts, quality, and production rates.Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and specifications.Perform first-piece/first-off inspections and verify parts meet quality requirements before continuing production.Use precision measuring equipment including tape measures, calipers, verniers, and other inspection tools.Bend, form, cut, and fabricate metal parts according to customer and engineering specifications.Monitor machine operation and make appropriate adjustments to maintain quality and maximize equipment utilization.Troubleshoot basic mechanical and electrical issues and identify equipment problems that could affect safety, quality, or production.Perform routine physical maintenance and basic care of laser, brake press, and related manufacturing equipment.Ensure machine setups meet established production, quality, and safety goals.Complete required production paperwork, data entry, machine logs, quality records, and shift documentation.Follow established lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and all machine safety requirements, including guarding and light curtains.Immediately report unsafe conditions, defective equipment, quality concerns, or production issues to the Lead or Supervisor.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift.Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Leads, Supervisors, and Management as needed.Assist with training and monitoring other operators in the safe and proper operation of equipment when assigned.Respond appropriately to equipment issues and production emergencies.Meet established production schedules, takt times, and quality expectations.Perform additional duties as assigned by Supervisors or Managers.Required Skills & QualificationsPrevious experience operating CNC brake presses, press brakes, CNC lasers, or similar metal fabrication equipment.Manufacturing or metal fabrication experience preferred.Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand basic mechanical and electrical functions.Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, manuals, and work instructions.Ability to accurately use tape measures, calipers, verniers, and other measuring instruments.Experience with machine setup, tooling changes, programming, or production adjustments.Strong understanding of machine safety and lockout/tagout procedures.Basic mathematical ability and strong attention to detail.Ability to identify quality issues and make appropriate machine or process adjustments.Ability to work independently with limited supervision.Strong communication and problem-solving skills.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds from floor level to table/workstation height.Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and occasionally climb throughout the shift.Willingness to work overtime as required.3rd Shift Work EnvironmentManufacturing/industrial plant environment.3rd shift / overnight schedule.Fast-paced production environment with multiple demands and frequent distractions.Noisy manufacturing environment.Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.Exposure to varying warm and cold temperatures.Requires the ability to work independently as part of a skeleton crew.Overtime may be required based on production needs.Health & SafetyFollow all company and plant Health & Safety, OSHA, Quality, Environmental, and Human Resources policies.Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).Follow machine guarding, light curtain, safety interlock, and other machine safety requirements.Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures whenever required.Report unsafe equipment, conditions, or work practices immediately.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation at all times.Required PPESteel-toe safety shoesSafety glassesHearing protection/ear plugsWork gloves as requiredExpress Employment Professionals is one of the top staffing companies in the U.S. and Canada. Every day, we help people find jobs and provide workforce solutions to businesses. Express has more than 750 franchise locations that provide a full range of employment solutions that include full-time, temporary, and part-time employment in a wide range of positions, including professional, commercial, and administrative.EOE/M/F/Vet/DisabilitiesMachines & technologies you'll use:CNC Laser CutterPress BrakeCNC Plasma Cutter