Press Brake Machine Set Up Operator

Aerotek; Lakeville (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Press Brake Machine Set-Up Operator in Lakeville, MN. The role involves setting up and operating CNC press brakes to produce sheet metal parts per blueprints, with focus on accuracy, quality, and safety.

You will measure parts, inspect conformity, and troubleshoot to minimize downtime. Responsibilities include interpreting drawings, performing first-piece checks, and mentoring other operators while maintaining a clean, 5S-compliant workspace in a fast-paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• Experience in reading blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Two years minimum setup/operation of press brakes in manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret work orders and produce parts within tolerances.
• Proficient with calipers, micrometers, and other measuring tools.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC press brake machines with tooling selections.
• Interpret blueprints and drawings to meet dimensions and tolerances.
• Perform first-piece inspections and ongoing quality checks.
• Verify part accuracy using precision measurement tools.
• Troubleshoot setup and production issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Make machine adjustments and program modifications as needed.
• Maintain 5S and clean work area, follow safety standards.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to meet production goals.
• Train other operators on setup and operation.

Skills

Press brake setup

CNC press brake operation

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Safety compliance

Tools

Amada press brake

Cincinnati press brake

Job description

Job Title: Press Brake Machine Set-Up Operator

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC press brake machines to produce high-quality sheet metal parts to precise specifications. You will interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, perform accurate measurements and inspections, and ensure that all parts meet dimensional and tolerance requirements. The position requires strong technical skills in press brake operation, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC press brake machines, including selecting appropriate tooling and making necessary machine adjustments.
• Interpret blueprints, work orders, and engineering drawings to produce parts that meet specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Perform first-piece inspections and conduct ongoing quality checks throughout production runs.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as calipers, protractors, angle gauges, micrometers, and tape measures to verify part accuracy.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances to ensure all products meet quality standards and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot setup and production issues to minimize machine downtime and reduce scrap.
• Make program modifications at the machine as needed to improve part quality or production efficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on press brake equipment to keep machines in optimal working condition.
• Safely move materials using cranes, hoists, and forklifts as required for production and setup.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area in accordance with 5S principles and established safety standards.
• Collaborate with supervisors, quality personnel, and team members to meet production goals and schedule requirements.
• Train and assist other operators as needed, sharing knowledge of setup, operation, and best practices.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of press brake setup and operation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Experience working with sheet metal fabrication and forming processes.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including calipers, protractors, angle gauges, micrometers, and tape measures.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC press brake machines.
• Ability to verify dimensions and tolerances and perform accurate first-piece and in-process inspections.
• Capability to troubleshoot machine setup and production issues and make program adjustments at the machine.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating or setting up Amada and Cincinnati press brake equipment.
• Experience in general fabrication and machine setup within a production environment.
• Familiarity with 5S workplace organization and continuous improvement practices.
• Comfort working with brake press operations and related fabrication tools.
• Ability to train and support other operators in press brake setup and operation.

Why Work Here?

You will join a safety-focused, team-oriented manufacturing environment that offers clear pathways for career growth into roles such as lead operator, programmer, setup specialist, supervisor, and manufacturing leadership. The organization supports continuous learning with opportunities to expand your skills across additional fabrication processes. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid time off including holiday pay, all designed to support long‑term stability, professional development, and work‑life balance.

Work Environment

The work environment is highly safety-driven and team-focused, with a strong emphasis on producing high-quality products in a timely manner and consistently meeting production goals. Employees are expected to follow strict safety protocols at all times, including wearing steel‑toed boots and safety glasses while on the production floor. The culture prioritizes safety as the top concern for all employees, while fostering collaboration and shared responsibility for achieving performance targets in a structured manufacturing setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lakeville, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $73000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lakeville,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.

About Aerotek

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.