Brake Press Operator- 3rd Shift

Milwaukee Succeeds; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Personal time

Paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Incentive bonus opportunities

Comprehensive benefits and a positive,

Job summary

General ThermoDynamics is seeking a Brake Press Operator for the Iron Ridge facility in Wisconsin. You will set up and operate hydraulic and CNC brake presses to form metal components for heat exchangers, ensuring parts meet specifications and production schedules.

This role requires reading blueprints, selecting tooling, performing first-piece inspections, maintaining MES records, and collaborating with welders, QA, and material handlers. We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5 years preferred brake press or fabrication experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and use precision measuring tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate brake press equipment to bend and form metal components.
• Select tooling and machine settings based on work orders and blueprints.
• Perform first-piece inspections and adjust settings to meet specs.
• Use MES to start jobs and maintain production records.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Precision measuring tools

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Amada brake press

Cincinnati brake press

Ermaksan brake press

Forklift experience

Job description

Brake Press Operator - Iron Ridge Facility

General ThermoDynamics (An API Heat Transfer Company)
Location: Iron Ridge, WI
Department: Operations / Fabrication
Reports To: Production Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Position Summary

The Brake Press Operator is responsible for safely and accurately setting up and operating hydraulic and/or CNC brake press machines used to form metal components for heat exchanger production. This role is critical in supporting the Iron Ridge facility's operations as the primary feeder plant for the Franklin manufacturing site. The operator ensures that all components meet required specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.

Key Responsibilities Machine Operation & Setup

• Set up and operate brake press equipment to bend, form, and straighten metal sheets, fins, brackets, and related components used in heat exchanger assemblies.
• Select appropriate tooling, die, and machine settings based on work orders, blueprints, and material specifications.
• Perform first‑piece inspections and adjust machine settings to meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Use MES digital workstation to start jobs and maintain accurate production records.

Quality & Documentation

• Read and interpret blueprints, process instructions, and travelers.
• Inspect parts using calipers, gauges, protractors, and other precision measurement tools.
• Document part counts, inspections, and production data accurately.
• Identify and report non‑conforming materials or machine issues promptly.

Safety & Maintenance

• Follow all safety procedures including lockout/tagout, PPE use, and machine guarding requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area following 5S standards.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance checks and communicate equipment needs.

CrossFunctional Support

• Collaborate with welders, laser operators, QA, and material handlers to support efficient workflow.
• Assist with material staging, movement, and inventory accuracy to meet feeder commitments.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, productivity, and scrap reduction.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous brake press or fabrication equipment experience; 5 years preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and precision measuring tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic math skills.
• High attention to detail and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication or heat exchanger manufacturing.
• Familiarity with CNC-programmed brake presses (Amada, Cincinnati, Ermaksan, etc.).
• Forklift or overhead crane experience (or willingness to obtain certification).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly and safely handle sheet metal.
• Manual dexterity and handeye coordination.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing floor setting with noise, moving equipment, and variable temperatures.
• Frequent interaction with Production, Quality, and Material Handling to support Iron Ridge's feeder operations.

Why Join Us?

General ThermoDynamics is a growing, industrytrusted manufacturer within the API Heat Transfer family. By joining the Iron Ridge team, you become part of a collaborative, stable, and safetyfocused organization where your work directly supports our highperformance production operations.

We offer competitive wages and a strong employment package that supports both personal and professional wellbeing, including:

• Paid vacation
• Personal time
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Incentive bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits and a positive, teamoriented work culture

If you're looking for a company that values craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and longterm employee success, General ThermoDynamics is the place to grow your career.

ECZ

____________________________

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact API Heat Transfer at [phone] for assistance.

The company rejects all forms of unlawful discrimination, not only because it is against the law, but because it is inconsistent with our corporate values. This includes unlawful discrimination because of a person's race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, sexual preference, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category as defined by applicable state or federal law. Employment decisions are made with regard to lawful considerations.