Press Brake Operator

Focus; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 65,904,000 - 77,366,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus in Addison, IL is seeking a skilled Press Brake Operator to set up and run CNC press brakes for bending sheet metal in a fast-paced fabrication environment. You will read blueprints, select tooling, and adjust controls to achieve precise bends and tight tolerances.

The role emphasizes quality inspections, daily maintenance, safety, and teamwork to meet production schedules. Candidates should have 2+ years of experience, working with steel, aluminum, and copper, and be comfortable using

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED; technical certification preferred (machining/fabrication).
• 2+ years of experience operating CNC press brakes in sheet metal fabrication.
• Ability to read sheet metal blueprints and engineering drawings; knowledge of bend allowances and deductions.

Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Operation: Set up, program, and operate CNC press brakes per drawings.
• Fabrication & Quality Control: Form parts to tolerances and perform first-piece and in-process inspections.
• Maintenance & Safety: Perform routine maintenance and adhere to PPE and safety standards.

Skills

Reading blueprints

Bend allowances

Precision measurement

Sheet metal fabrication

Quality inspections

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CNC press brakes

Calipers

Protractors

Height gauges

Micrometers

Job description

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Location: Addison, IL (Onsite)

Pay Rate: $23.00 - $27.00 / hour

Job Type: Full-Time / Non-Union

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Press Brake Operator to join our fabrication team in an agile, fast-paced manufacturing environment. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up and operating CNC press brakes to bend, form, and shape sheet metal components (including steel, aluminum, and copper) used in custom power distribution equipment. The ideal candidate has experience reading sheet metal blueprints, calculating bend allowances, and holding tight tolerances.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Operation

  • Set up, program, and operate CNC press brakes according to production schedules and engineering drawings.

  • Select, install, and align correct tooling (punches and dies) based on material thickness and required bend radii.

  • Adjust machine controls, backgauges, and tooling parameters to ensure accurate bend angles.

• Fabrication & Quality Control

  • Form sheet metal parts to precise tolerances according to engineering specifications.

  • Perform first-piece and in-process quality inspections using calipers, protractors, height gauges, and micrometers.

  • Identify defect patterns or material inconsistencies and make necessary machine/program adjustments.

• Maintenance & Safety

  • Perform routine daily maintenance on press brakes and associated tooling.

  • Maintain strict adherence to workplace safety standards, including proper machine guarding and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  • Keep work area clean, safe, and organized.

• Documentation & Teamwork

  • Complete required job documentation, including work orders, inspection logs, and material tracking.

  • Work closely with team members, supervisors, and engineers to meet production timelines and quality standards.

  • Report equipment issues or process improvement suggestions to leadership.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; technical certification or vocational training in machining/fabrication preferred.

• Experience: 2+ years of experience operating CNC press brakes in a sheet metal fabrication environment.

• Technical Skills:

  • Proven ability to read and interpret complex sheet metal blueprints, flat patterns, and engineering drawings.

  • Solid understanding of bend allowances, deduction calculations, and metal forming principles.

  • Proficiency with precision measuring tools (calipers, protractors, height gauges).

• Soft Skills: Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to quality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. independently.

• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and perform physical tasks throughout an entire shift.

• Comfort working in an active fabrication/manufacturing environment with noise and sheet metal handling.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.