Brake Press - Fabrication Machine Operator

IEA; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

IEA Kenosha Plant in Kenosha, WI is seeking a Press Brake Operator for a skilled, detail‑oriented role. You will set up and operate CNC forming equipment, interpret prints, program CNC, and ensure parts meet specifications and quality standards.

Shift is first, with potential overtime; safety, housekeeping, and Six Sigma principles are emphasized. Applicants require fabrication machine experience and forklift certification where applicable.

Qualifications

• Reading blueprints, job specs and shop drawings to determine requirements.
• 5+ years of specific fabricating machine experience.
• Forklift operator certification is a listed requirement.
• Eye and safety considerations for laser operations as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Review production orders and interpreting drawings to determine needs.
• Operate CNC controlled press brake and run forming operations.
• Input data into CNC controller and adjust ram/back gauge per instructions.
• Check dimensions with tape measures, calipers, and gauges.
• Program CNC to produce new parts meeting specs and tolerances.
• Perform spot inspections and ensure quality and customer delivery.
• Maintain safety, housekeeping, and ISO/quality standards.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Metal fabrication knowledge

Math calculations

Communication

Safety awareness

5+ years fabricating experience

Education

Forklift operator certification

Apprenticeship training desirable

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: IEA Kenosha Plant - Kenosha, WI 53144Salary Range: $24.44 - $26.52 HourlyJob Summary: The Press Brake Operator is an advanced skilled position in the Company with specific responsibility for set-up and operation of CNC Controlled forming, cutting and rolling equipment. The Press brake operator may also be required to assist in the operation, set-up and/or trainer for less skilled operators. The Press brake operator receives specific work assignments under limited supervision and resolves most problems with limited supervisory assistance. All work is subject to first piece and final inspections and testing to minimize metal damage and control excess labor and material expense. The Press brake operator is expected to practice and adhere to the department’s 6-S standards and the Company’s Six Sigma principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews job/production orders and interprets accompanying prints and drawings to determine job requirements.
• Run bend and forming operations using standard and custom punches.
• Use a CNC controller to input information into machine.
• Adjust ram and back gauge locations per process control instructions and blueprints
• Checks height, depth and thickness using tape measure, calipers, gauges and other precision‑measuring instruments.
• Perform complex programming using all features of the press brake.
• Produce parts for assembly operations.
• Meet customer specifications and delivery requirements.
• Program the CNC to produce new parts meeting specifications.
• Perform spot inspections of parts.
• Configure bend allowances for sheet metal and plate steel (stainless, aluminum & regular steel).
• Ensure machine is calibrated and cleaned.
• Perform all required routine and minor maintenance activities according to procedures0
• Prepares and cleans product surfaces, as necessary, for desired operation.
• Monitors machine performance and output during production to ensure proper results.
• Cleans and maintains work area (daily), fabricating equipment and other tools of the trade.
• Works in a safe manner at all times.
• Ensures that all work is done in accordance with and adheres to IEA’s ISO and Quality standards.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Physical Demands

• Maximum lifting requirement (pounds): 100 (infrequently), 50 (frequently).
• Maximum moving requirement (pounds): 250 (with assistance).
• Maintaining physical condition necessary for the following: Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, squatting, and twisting upper body; occasional climbing or sitting.
• Working at heights off the ground: Not applicable.
• Vision requirements: Close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception.

Work Environment

• Work location(s): Metal fabrication/welding/assembly shop, plant grounds.
• Exposure to: Hot objects (burns), glare (flashing), sparks and flying objects (metal chips and scale), fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, moving mechanical parts/equipment, wet/humid (non‑weather) conditions, inclement weather conditions, moving mechanical equipment, and noise levels of 85dBA or above.
• Personal protective equipment requirement: Safety glasses, ANSI safety shoes. Other protective clothing including gloves, outerwear and hearing protection as necessary. Additional equipment as per job site

QualificationsPosition Requirements

• Working knowledge of metal fabricating/forming practices and processes.
• Working knowledge of operating procedures for press brake and Ring Roller.
• Ability to read and understand job specifications, shop drawings, and blueprints.
• Ability to perform intermediate math computations associated with metal fabrication.
• Knowledge of properties of structural metals and related items.
• Skill in using and maintaining fabricating equipment and related tools of the trade including scales, protractors, fixed angle and radii gauges.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and the ability to follow safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with others.
• Experiential: Five or more years of specific fabricating machine (as assigned) experience.
• Educational: Formal apprenticeship training is desirable but not essential.
• Certificates, Licenses: Forklift operator certification.
• Other: Medical approval required where applicable (eye examination to operate laser).

Our first shift is from Monday through Friday: 5:00am - 1:30pm

Overtime is worked on Saturday and sometimes Sunday

IEA is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, and/or expression, or other status protected by law. If you require any reasonable adjustments to accommodate health condition or disability, please let us know. Your journey with us matters.