General Assembly - Breakpress- CAL - 3091

Dotson; Stockton (CA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Dotson is seeking a Brake Press Operator to safely set up and run press brake equipment to bend metal parts per drawings and work orders. You will verify material, select tooling, and perform first-piece inspections to confirm tolerance compliance.

In a fast-paced production environment, you will measure finished parts with calipers and micrometers, document production data, and maintain a clean, safe workspace while following 5S and lockout/tagout procedures.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to read blueprints and work orders to determine bend sequences and material requirements.
• Must accurately measure parts using gauges such as calipers and micrometers.
• Follows safety and quality procedures to ensure compliant production.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication is preferred.
• Willingness to learn and follow equipment setup instructions.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake equipment per work orders, drawings, and specifications.
• Review blueprints, drawings, and production orders to determine dimensions, tolerances, bend sequences, and material requirements.
• Install dies, punches, tooling, and machine settings for each job.
• Load, position, align, and remove materials from the press brake safely.
• Enter or adjust machine parameters, including bend angles and dimensions, as required.
• Perform first-piece inspections and verify parts meet specifications before continuing production.
• Measure finished components with tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and angle gauges.
• Monitor machine operation and make adjustments to maintain quality and production goals.
• Inspect materials and finished parts for defects and dimensional accuracy.
• Identify and report malfunctions or quality concerns to supervision.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow 5S standards.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and wear required PPE.

Job description

Brake Press Operator

Position Summary

The Brake Press Operator is responsible for safely setting up and operating press brake equipment to bend, form, and fabricate metal components according to drawings, work orders, and production specifications. This position requires strong attention to detail, accurate measurement skills, and a commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.

The Brake Press Operator will perform equipment setups, verify material and tooling requirements, inspect finished parts, and make necessary machine adjustments to ensure components meet required specifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake equipment to bend and form metal components according to work orders, drawings, and specifications.
• Review blueprints, drawings, work instructions, and production orders to determine dimensions, tolerances, bend sequences, and material requirements.
• Select and install appropriate dies, punches, tooling, and machine settings for each job.
• Load, position, align, and remove materials from the press brake safely.
• Enter or adjust machine parameters, including bend angles, dimensions, and other settings, as required.
• Perform first-piece inspections and verify completed parts meet required specifications before continuing production.
• Measure finished components using tape measures, calipers, micrometers, angle gauges, and other measuring instruments.
• Monitor machine operation and make appropriate adjustments to maintain quality and production requirements.
• Inspect materials and completed parts for defects, damage, dimensional accuracy, and overall workmanship.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, tooling issues, material defects, or quality concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance as assigned.
• Maintain accurate production counts and complete required production and quality documentation.
• Properly identify, label, and organize completed parts for downstream manufacturing processes.
• Minimize scrap and material waste by following established procedures and verifying setups before production runs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Follow all company safety procedures, including machine guarding, lockout/tagout requirements, and required personal protective equipment.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, continuous improvement activities, and other departmental initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and other departments to resolve manufacturing issues and meet production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing, machine operation, metal fabrication, or press brake experience preferred.
• Experience working with sheet metal or fabricated metal components is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret work orders, blueprints, drawings, and basic manufacturing specifications.
• Ability to understand dimensions, tolerances, bend angles, and basic fabrication requirements.
• Ability to accurately use tape measures, calipers, micrometers, angle gauges, and other measuring instruments.
• Basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and basic calculations.
• Basic understanding of press brake tooling and machine setup.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to recognize equipment, tooling, material, or quality issues and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a manufacturing team.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Regularly stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Frequently use hands and arms to handle, position, and manipulate materials, tooling, and equipment.
• Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, twist, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical lifting equipment used when appropriate.
• Ability to safely handle sheet metal and fabricated components.
• Ability to safely work around moving machinery and industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear as applicable.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment. Employees may regularly be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, sheet metal, fabricated components, noise, oils, lubricants, temperature variations, and other conditions commonly associated with industrial manufacturing.

Employees are required to follow all established safety procedures and wear designated personal protective equipment while performing assigned duties.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is an essential function of this position. The Brake Press Operator is expected to:

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Operate press brake equipment only when properly trained and authorized.
• Follow established machine setup and operating procedures.
• Use machine guards, light curtains, safety devices, and other required safeguards at all times.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures before performing authorized servicing, maintenance, or tooling activities.
• Keep hands and body parts clear of pinch points and points of operation.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, injuries, near misses, equipment damage, and safety concerns.
• Never bypass, disable, or remove required machine safety devices.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices to reduce workplace hazards.

Pay Range: $17.50 - $19.00