Press Brake Programmer/Operator (3rd Shift)

Impact Fab; Michigan; On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A custom fabrication shop in Michigan is seeking a 3rd Press Brake Programmer/Operator. The role involves programming, setting up, and operating press brakes to produce high-quality parts. Candidates should have 3-7 years of press brake experience and strong blueprint reading skills. You will work in a fast-paced environment where continuous improvement is valued. If you want to make an impact and grow your skills, apply today!

Qualifications

• 3–7 years press brake operation experience in a fabrication environment.
• Experience programming CNC press brakes.
• Familiarity with materials like steel, stainless, and aluminum.
• Strong blueprint reading skills and basic GD&T familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Program and set up press brakes for production.
• Operate press brakes to form parts to specifications.
• Perform inspections and maintain part quality.
• Perform in-process inspections with calipers and angle gauges; document checks.

Skills

Press brake operation

Blueprint reading

CNC programming

Material handling

GD&T basics

Tools

Calipers

Angle gauges

AutoPOL

VPSS

RADAN

Job description

Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can make an immediate impact in a fast-paced, growing West Michigan company? Do you enjoy metal fabrication and want to grow your skills? If so, Impact Fab could be a great fit for you. We are seeking a 3rd Press Brake Programmer/Operator to join our team.

Work Schedule: 8:00 pm - 6:30 am Monday night - Friday morning with a long weekend every week

Position Summary

This role is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating press brakes to produce accurate, high-quality formed parts. The mid-level operator is expected to work independently on standard jobs, troubleshoot basic issues, and support flow on the floor without constant oversight.

This is not a "button pusher" role — this is a thinking operator who understands bend sequences, material behavior, and how their work impacts downstream welding and assembly.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Setup

• Determine proper bend sequence, tooling selection, and tonnage requirements
• Set up machines efficiently to minimize downtime and changeover time
• Verify first-piece accuracy before releasing to production

Operation

• Operate press brake to form parts to print specifications
• Adjust programs and setups as needed to maintain quality
• Monitor part quality throughout the run (angles, dimensions, flatness)

Print & Part Interpretation

• Read and interpret blueprints, including:
  • Bend callouts
  • Tolerances
  • GD&T basics (as applicable)
• Understand how forming affects downstream processes (fit-up, welding)

Quality & Accountability

• Perform in-process inspections using calipers, angle gauges, etc.
• Document required checks per job traveler or print
• Identify and stop production on nonconforming parts
• Work with Quality (Jeff/inspection team) when issues arise

Continuous Improvement

• Suggest improvements to bend sequences, tooling, and setups
• Reduce scrap and rework through better process control
• Support lean initiatives (5S, setup reduction, flow improvement)

Team Support

• Assist less experienced operators when needed
• Communicate clearly with upstream (laser) and downstream (weld) teams
• Maintain clean and organized work area

Successful candidates will have:

Experience

• 3–7 years press brake operation experience in a fabrication environment
• Experience programming CNC press brakes (not just running parts)
• Familiar with a variety of materials (steel, stainless, aluminum)

Technical Skills

• Strong blueprint reading skills
• Solid understanding of:
  • Bend allowance / bend deduction
  • Grain direction
  • Springback
• Comfortable using basic inspection tools

Preferred (Not Required, But Valuable)

• Experience with offline programming software (e.g., AutoPOL, VPSS, RADAN)
• GD&T familiarity
• Experience in job shop / high-mix, low-volume environment

Performance Expectations (How You’ll Be Measured)

• Quality: Parts meet print without rework
• Productivity: Jobs completed within estimated time
• Setup Efficiency: Reduced setup and changeover time
• Scrap Reduction: Minimal material waste
• Ownership: Solves problems without waiting to be told

Impact Fab is a custom fabrication shop located in Holland, Michigan. We specialize in short run productions; machine build and part prototyping. Our commitment to quality service, quality parts, and genuine respect have earned us the loyalty of our customers and a prominent place in the design for manufacturing market.

If this sounds like a position for you and we are the kind of company you see yourself with, apply today for immediate consideration! To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.impactfab.com.