Press Brake Forming Engineer/Manager

AST Manufacturing; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AST Manufacturing in Grand Prairie, TX is seeking a senior Forming Engineer/Manager to lead our sheet metal forming department. You will bridge hands-on engineering, advanced CNC programming, and team leadership to optimize production and mentor operators.

The role requires deep knowledge of precision metal forming (CNC press brakes), CAD/CAM software, and a track record in ISO 9001 environments. You will drive process improvements, ensure quality, and collaborate with design, laser cutting, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years in sheet metal fabrication and forming with 2–3 years in a supervisory/lead role.
• Strong CAD/CAM proficiency and direct experience programming CNC press brakes.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems and precision measurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the forming department, manage workflow, scheduling, and safety.
• Develop, optimize, and manage CNC programs for press brakes using CAD/CAM software.
• Analyze blueprints/3D models to determine tooling, bend sequences, and process efficiency.
• Ensure components meet tolerance requirements and ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Identify root causes of defects and drive continuous improvement to reduce waste and setup times.
• Train and mentor forming operators in setup, safety, reading blueprints, and quality inspection techniques.
• Collaborate with design, laser cutting, and assembly to ensure smooth multi-process transitions.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Quality control

Communication

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Radan

CNC programming

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.