Press Brake Operator

Kids for the Future; Reading (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off starting at 3 weeks

Job summary

Caldera Manufacturing is seeking a Press Brake Operator to safely run press brake equipment and form metal parts according to engineering drawings. You will verify measurements and ensure compliance with specifications while supporting continuous improvement on the shop floor.

The ideal candidate has 1–2 years of press brake experience, a focus on quality, and a commitment to safe, efficient production. Join a team dedicated to lean principles and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret blueprints and drawings.
• Knowledge of sheet metal properties and forming.
• Experience with precision measuring tools and inspection.
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake machines per blueprints and work instructions.
• Install tooling, dies, and fixtures for each job.
• Measure parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges for conformance.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain accuracy during runs.
• Identify and help correct non-conformances.
• Perform routine checks and basic maintenance.
• Follow safety protocols and report hazards.
• Collaborate with production supervisors, welders, and quality staff.
• Document inspections and production counts.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Sheet metal forming

Safety procedures

Measurement tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Press brake

Job description

• Location 1005 Patriot Parkway,Reading, PA, 19605,United States
• Employee Type Full Time-non exempt

Description

The Primary Role

The Press Brake Operator is responsible for safely and accurately operating press brake equipment to bend, form, and fabricate metal components according to engineering drawings and specifications. This position requires technical precision, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently while maintaining Caldera Manufacturing's high standards of safety and quality.

As an integral part of the Fabrication team, the Press Brake Operator ensures parts meet dimensional requirements and supports continuous improvement efforts to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

The Compensation

depending on experience

The Organization

Caldera is an industrial fabrication firm with production facilities across three states, in the midst of a strategic transformation from traditional fabrication to an engineered solutions provider. We're building something scalable, world-class, and leading in sectors like AI data centers, industrial power and equipment, and national defense. This comprehensive repositioning touches every aspect of our business. Our evolution demands a quality function that enables rather than inhibits our growth trajectory while maintaining the highest standards that enterprise customers expect.

The People

You'll join a hungry and loyal team committed to transforming traditional fabrication from the inside out. Our people are highly skilled fabricators, engineers, and operational experts who bring decades of industrial experience combined with a love for innovation. We're straightforward problem-solvers who take pride in turning complex challenges into elegant solutions. The leadership team values direct communication, continuous improvement, and results over rhetoric. As we evolve into a more sophisticated organization, we need someone who can help us drive quality excellence while building collaborative relationships that make production teams want to partner with quality rather than avoid it.

The Scope

• Set up and operate press brake machines to produce parts in accordance with blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.
• Select and install tooling, dies, and fixtures appropriate for the job.
• Measure and inspect completed parts using calipers, micrometers, protractors, and gauges to confirm conformance.
• Adjust machine settings and tooling to maintain accuracy during production runs.
• Identify, report, and assist in correcting non-conformances.
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, and basic maintenance to ensure safe operation.
• Follow established safety protocols and report any hazards or incidents immediately.
• Collaborate with production supervisors, welders, and quality staff to resolve fabrication issues.
• Document work performed, including inspection results and production counts.
• Contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

The Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1-2 years of experience operating press brake or similar fabrication machinery (will consider training candidates with strong mechanical aptitude).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of sheet metal properties and forming techniques.
• Familiarity with precision measuring tools and quality inspection practices.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and product quality.

The Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off starting at 3 weeks (increases with length of service)

We are an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a leader in diversity and inclusion, to continually lead with our values, and to allow our team to develop their potential, bring their full selves to work, and fully engage with each other. We believe that our diversity makes our team stronger.

This job description is not a binding contractual document. It is provided as a guide to types of duties required to be undertaken. This position may include other related duties as assigned. Duties vary from time to time and this description is subject to review and modification.

Physical Demands

• Lift/Carry (F): Move raw material, tooling, and finished parts weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Push/Pull (O): Maneuver sheet metal and heavy dies with assistance or mechanical aids.
• Stand (F): Remain standing for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Walk (O): Move between workstations and across the production floor.
• Sit (O): Limited, primarily for paperwork or programming tasks.
• Fine Manipulation (F): Use hands to adjust controls, tooling, and measurement tools.
• Reach (O): Extend arms when loading/unloading materials.
• Bend/Stoop (O): Occasional bending to set up or maintain equipment.