Sheet Metal Mechanic

Aerotek; Totowa (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO / Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Sheet Metal Mechanic Press Brake Operator in Totowa, NJ, for a first-shift contract-to-hire role. You will set up and operate press brakes, select tooling, bend complex parts, inspect tolerances, and collaborate with fabrication teams to ensure high-quality outcomes.

The position emphasizes continuous improvement, mentoring junior operators, and maintaining safety and production standards in a fast-paced, full-service fabrication environment.

Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on press brake setup experience in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of dies, tooling selection, and their application to various sheet metal materials and part designs.
• Background as a sheet metal mechanic with experience in sheet metal fabrication and forming processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and use them to produce accurate formed parts.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brakes for production runs, ensuring efficient and accurate operation.
• Select proper tooling and dies based on material type, thickness, and part requirements.
• Produce complex formed sheet metal components by executing precise and repeatable bends.
• Perform complete press brake setups, including programming, tooling changes, and adjustments for different jobs.
• Check and inspect finished parts to verify dimensions, tolerances, and quality against blueprints.
• Troubleshoot forming and production issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain production quality standards by following fabrication best practices and procedures.
• Assist with process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in press brake operations.
• Train and mentor less experienced press brake operators, sharing knowledge of tooling and fabrication techniques.

Skills

Press brake setup

Tooling selection

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Training others

Sheet metal forming

Quality inspection

Tools

CNC punching

Fiber laser cutting

Job description

Job Title: Sheet Metal Mechanic Press Brake Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating press brakes to produce complex formed sheet metal parts in a high-quality, high-precision fabrication environment. You will select appropriate tooling, perform complete setups, verify part quality, and support continuous improvement across fabrication operations while working with advanced sheet metal technologies.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brakes for production runs, ensuring efficient and accurate operation throughout each job.
• Select proper tooling and dies based on material type, thickness, and specific part requirements.
• Produce complex formed sheet metal components by executing precise and repeatable bends.
• Perform complete press brake setups, including programming, tooling changes, and adjustments for different jobs.
• Check and inspect finished parts to verify dimensions, tolerances, and overall quality against blueprints and specifications.
• Troubleshoot forming and production issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to maintain productivity.
• Maintain production quality standards by following fabrication best practices and established procedures.
• Support fabrication operations by collaborating with other departments involved in sheet metal fabrication, coating, and assembly.
• Assist with process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in press brake and sheet metal operations.
• Train and mentor less experienced press brake operators, sharing knowledge of tooling, setup, and fabrication techniques.
• Perform setup, repair, and troubleshooting functions on press brakes and related equipment as needed.

Essential Skills

• Several years of hands‑on press brake setup experience in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of dies, tooling selection, and their application to various sheet metal materials and part designs.
• Background as a sheet metal mechanic with experience in sheet metal fabrication and forming processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and use them to produce accurate formed parts.
• Proficiency in performing complete press brake setups, including complex bend sequences.
• Solid understanding of sheet metal forming principles and fabrication best practices.
• Capability to troubleshoot setup and production issues and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to train and support less experienced operators in press brake operation and setup.
• Commitment to maintaining production quality standards and meeting dimensional and cosmetic requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with advanced fabrication technologies such as CNC punching and fiber laser cutting.
• Familiarity with industrial production environments involving paint preparation, coating, molding, and spraying processes.
• Comfort working with a variety of metals and structural components in a full‑service fabrication setting.
• Experience supporting welding, powder coating, assembly, or related fabrication and finishing operations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently inspect and verify finished components.

Why Work Here?

You join a long‑established sheet metal fabrication organization with over a century of industry experience, offering a stable environment and deep expertise to learn from. The facility specializes in precision sheet metal manufacturing and provides exposure to advanced technologies such as CNC punching, laser cutting, welding, powder coating, assembly, and engineering services. You work with state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing equipment in a full‑service fabrication operation, gaining opportunities to expand your technical skills, collaborate with experienced professionals, and grow within a modern, technology‑driven production environment.

Work Environment

This is a first‑shift position, typically running from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, in an industrial production environment. Work takes place on the manufacturing floor with regular handling and forming of various metals. The facility is equipped with advanced fabrication technologies, including press brakes, CNC punching equipment, fiber lasers, and coating and finishing systems, providing a hands‑on, fast‑paced setting focused on precision sheet metal fabrication.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Totowa, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $35.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Totowa,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 2026.

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.

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.

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.