Press Brake Forming Engineer/Manager

AST Manufacturing; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AST Manufacturing in Grand Prairie, TX seeks a senior Forming Engineer/Manager to lead our sheet metal forming department. This role combines hands-on engineering, CNC press brake programming, and team leadership to optimize production and mentor operators.

You will analyze blueprints and 3D models, drive process improvements, maintain ISO 9001:2015 quality standards, and collaborate with design, laser cutting, and assembly teams to deliver complex, multi-process fabricated assemblies.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in sheet metal fabrication and forming.
• 2–3 years in a management, supervisory, or lead engineering role.
• Experience programming CNC press brakes and CAD/CAM software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the forming department and meet production goals safely and efficiently.
• Develop, optimize, and manage CNC programs for press brakes and forming equipment using CAD/CAM software.
• Analyze blueprints, 3D models, and specifications to determine forming sequences, tooling, and bend deductions.

Skills

CNC press brakes

CAD/CAM programming

Leadership

Team mentoring

Process optimization

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Radan

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Forming Engineer / Manager to lead our sheet metal forming department. This is a senior-level position that bridges hands-on engineering, advanced CNC programming, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in precision metal forming (specifically CNC press brakes), exceptional CAD/CAM programming skills, and the management experience necessary to optimize production and mentor a team of operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Leadership: Oversee the daily operations of the forming department, managing workflow, scheduling, and ensuring production goals are met safely and efficiently.
• Advanced Programming: Develop, optimize, and manage CNC programs for state-of-the-art press brakes and other forming equipment using CAD/CAM software.
• Process Engineering: Analyze blueprints, 3D CAD models, and customer specifications to determine the most efficient forming sequences, tooling requirements, and bend deductions.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all formed components meet strict tolerance requirements and comply with our ISO 9001:2015 quality assurance standards.
• Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement: Identify root causes of forming defects or machine errors and implement corrective actions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce setup times, minimize material waste, and increase machine throughput.
• Team Development: Train, mentor, and evaluate forming operators on machine setup, safety protocols, blueprint reading, and quality inspection techniques.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the design, laser cutting, and assembly departments to ensure seamless transitions between manufacturing stages for complex, multi-process fabricated assemblies.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in sheet metal fabrication and forming, with at least 2–3 years in a management, supervisory, or lead engineering role.
• Programming Expertise: Advanced proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Radan, or similar) and direct experience programming CNC press brakes.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of metallurgy as it relates to forming (bend allowances, springback, material grain), flat pattern layout, and custom tooling selection.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead a team, manage production schedules, and foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Quality Focus: Experience working in an ISO 9001-certified environment and familiarity with precision measurement tools (calipers, protractors, height gauges).
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with operators, engineers, and management.