Press Brake Operator

Aerotek; Buffalo (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary)

Short & long-term disability

HSA

Job summary

Aerotek in Buffalo, MN is seeking a Press Brake Operator to set up and run Cincinnati and Amada presses in a busy metal fabrication environment. You will read blueprints, select tooling, adjust settings, and form parts to tight tolerances.

This permanent on-site role offers competitive pay, robust benefits, and opportunities for growth within a team-oriented shop culture. Experience with fabrication tooling and safe operation is essential.

Qualifications

• 6+ months setting up press brakes for production jobs.
• 1+ year running press brakes in fabrication/sheet metal environments.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints/drawings.
• Proficient in using tape measures for precise dimensions.
• Experience with hand and power tools in metal fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Set up press brakes with tooling and settings per job specs.
• Run presses to form sheet metal parts meeting tolerances.
• Operate Cincinnati/Amada press brakes safely and efficiently.
• Use standard and custom tooling across multiple jobs.
• Interpret blueprints/drawings to produce accurate parts.
• Verify dimensions with tape measures and tools.
• Inspect finished parts for quality and adjust as needed.
• Handle sheet metal parts through loading/unloading processes.
• Coordinate with team to meet production schedules.
• Maintain clean, organized work area and assist in equipment care.

Skills

6+ months press brake setup

1+ year press brake experience

Blueprint reading

Tape measure accuracy

Hand/tools fabrication

Safety-focused

Detail oriented

Education

Technical fabrication training

Tools

Cincinnati press brakes

Amada press brakes

Sheet metal tooling

Job description

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Job Description

Join a growing metal fabrication shop as a Press Brake Operator, setting up and running a variety of custom sheet metal jobs for well-known retail and commercial applications. You will work with Cincinnati and Amada press brakes in a clean, modern facility, contributing to the production of display fixtures, metal housings, and other custom metal products.

Responsibilities

• Set up press brakes for production runs, including selecting appropriate tooling, adjusting settings, and preparing materials according to job specifications.
• Run press brakes to form sheet metal parts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to blueprints and work orders.
• Operate Cincinnati and Amada press brakes safely and efficiently, following all shop procedures and equipment guidelines.
• Work with both standardized and custom tooling, adapting to different tooling setups and learning new processes as needed.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, drawings, and measurements to produce parts to precise tolerances.
• Use tape measures, hand tools, and power tools to verify dimensions, perform minor adjustments, and complete fabrication tasks.
• Inspect finished parts for quality, accuracy, and proper form, and make necessary corrections or adjustments.
• Handle sheet metal materials, including loading and unloading parts from the press brake and organizing completed components.
• Collaborate with team members on the shop floor to coordinate multiple jobs, meet production schedules, and maintain workflow.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, and assist in basic equipment care to support a safe and efficient fabrication environment.

Essential Skills

• 6+ months of experience setting up press brakes for production jobs.
• 1+ year of experience running press brakes in a fabrication or sheet metal environment.
• Hands-on experience operating Cincinnati press brakes.
• Proficiency in sheet metal fabrication processes and techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings.
• Strong tape measure skills and ability to perform precise measurements.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools in a metal fabrication setting.
• Basic machine operation skills with an emphasis on safety and quality.
• Attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, consistent parts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical degree or formal training in fabrication or welding is a plus.
• Experience with Amada press brakes is beneficial.
• Comfort working with standardized tooling as well as custom tooling.
• Ability to adapt to multiple jobs and changing priorities in a busy shop.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively on the floor.

Why Work Here?

This is a small, family-owned shop with a laid-back, supportive culture where leadership is present and engaged on the floor. The company offers strong, competitive pay and is known for retaining employees, with very little turnover and a commitment to promoting from within. Team members enjoy regular get-togethers and BBQs, holiday gifts such as hams, turkeys, and branded apparel, and an annual Christmas party with food and games. The business has never had a layoff and is growing rapidly, providing long-term stability and significant opportunities for advancement.

Work Environment

You will work in a large, clean fabrication shop equipped with modern, updated machinery across two adjacent buildings. The environment is collaborative and relaxed, with a culture that includes many bilingual Spanish speakers and a strong sense of community and shared values. The shop focuses on metal fabrication using press brakes and related equipment, and employees typically wear practical work attire suitable for a fabrication setting. The facility supports a busy production schedule while maintaining a friendly, team-oriented atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $33.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo,MN.

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.