Press Brake Lead

Jireh Metal Products; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jireh Metal Products in Grandville, MI is seeking a Lead Press Brake Operator to manage a small team and ensure safe, efficient production of precision parts. You will set up, program, and run CNC press brake equipment, read engineering drawings, select tooling, and document processes.

This role emphasizes training, quality control, and continuous improvement across production processes. Join a team focused on safety, 5S, and meeting customer specifications while developing capability for future

Qualifications

• Experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC press brake equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily directions for a small press brake team and prioritize work.
• Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake per work instructions.
• Create and maintain job documentation and tooling requirements.
• Inspect parts and ensure conformance to drawings.
• Maintain safety and 5S in work area.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Team coaching

Blueprint reading

CNC press brake programming

Quality awareness

Safety consciousness

Education

Highschool diploma or equivalent

Tools

Plex

Job Web

Job description

Job Description

JIREH METAL PRODUCTS

Job Description: Lead Press Brake Operator

Location: Grandville, MI

Reports To: Production Manager

Interfaces With: Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance

Role Purpose

• Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team.
• Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake equipment to manufacture parts that meet customer specifications and Jireh Metal Products’ quality standards.
• Create and maintain job documentation, machine programs, tooling requirements, and standardized setup instructions.
• Develop press brake processes and team capabilities to support safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and future growth.

Core Accountabilities

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide daily work direction, technical support, and coaching to Press Brake Operators and assigned team members.
• Coordinate work priorities based on production schedules, staffing, equipment, tooling, and material availability.
• Train and cross-train team members on machine operation, programming, setups, blueprint reading, inspection, safety, and quality requirements.
• Evaluate operator capabilities, identify training needs, and develop backup coverage for critical jobs and equipment.
• Communicate production status, delays, quality concerns, employee issues, and resource needs to the Production Manager.

Press Brake Operations

• Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake equipment in accordance with work instructions and production schedules.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders, bend requirements, and manufacturing specifications.
• Select, install, and verify the proper tooling, punches, and dies for each production run.
• Perform complex setups and assist operators with new jobs, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.

Job Documentation and Setup Development

• Create and maintain machine programs, tooling requirements, setup instructions, inspection requirements, and job documentation.
• Develop clear and repeatable setup procedures that allow trained operators to produce conforming parts consistently.
• Maintain organized machine programs and ensure the correct program and document revisions are used.
• Assist in updating documentation based on engineering changes, tooling changes, production issues, and lessons learned.

Quality

• Inspect parts using calipers, angle gauges, tape measures, fixtures, and other measuring devices as required.
• Ensure team members understand print requirements, critical dimensions, and inspection expectations.
• Identify and report quality concerns, tooling issues, equipment problems, material defects, and process variation.
• Stop production when requirements are not met and support containment, corrective action, and continuous improvement activities.

Equipment and Tooling

• Perform routine equipment inspections and ensure required maintenance activities are completed.
• Maintain tooling in good working condition and report damaged or worn tooling.
• Assist with troubleshooting machine, programming, setup, and tooling issues.
• Maintain organized machines, tooling, and work areas.

Safety and Workplace Organization

• Lead by example in following company safety policies and safe operating procedures.
• Ensure team members use required machine safeguards, material handling practices, and personal protective equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas using 5S principles.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment, or work practices.

Systems and Documentation

• Accurately complete and review production reporting and required documentation.
• Utilize company systems including Plex, Job Web, machine programming systems, and other manufacturing software as required.
• Ensure production quantities, labor, scrap, downtime, setup time, and quality information are recorded accurately.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead improvements focused on safety, quality, setup reduction, productivity, tooling organization, and error prevention.
• Support new product launches, process development, and production readiness activities.
• Work with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Material H