Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake / Sheet Metal Operator

Job Description

The Press Brake / Sheet Metal Operator sets up and operates sheet metal fabrication equipmentincluding laser cutters, press brakes, PEM install equipment, and other CNC-controlled machineryto produce high-quality components that meet engineering drawings and specifications. You ensure safe, efficient operations while maintaining equipment, verifying part quality, and supporting production schedules in a precision manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate sheet metal fabrication equipment including laser cutters, waterjet cutters, plasma cutters, press brakes, PEM install equipment, and shears to produce components according to engineering drawings and CNC programs.
• Load and unload sheet metal materials safely and efficiently, ensuring proper handling to prevent damage and injury.
• Set up machines based on CNC programs, work instructions, and tooling requirements, including performing basic machine setup tasks and tool changes.
• Monitor machine operations during production runs, making necessary adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and overall part quality.
• Verify first-piece and in-process dimensions using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, tape measures, gauges, and other inspection devices.
• Inspect parts for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and quality defects, ensuring all components meet engineering drawings and specifications.
• Identify and report quality issues to appropriate manufacturing leadership, supporting timely resolution and continuous improvement.
• Perform visual inspections for burrs, scratches, and other defects, and conduct deburring and finishing operations as required to meet quality standards.
• Select, stage, and organize appropriate sheet metal materials for production jobs, ensuring correct material type and thickness for each order.
• Prepare finished parts for downstream operations such as welding, powder coating, and assembly, coordinating flow to subsequent processes.
• Maintain accurate production logs, equipment run time records, and documentation needed to support ISO 9001 compliance and traceability.
• Assist with inventory management and material tracking, including returning unused materials to proper storage locations.
• Maintain an organized work area, enforcing 5S standards and contributing to a clean, efficient, and safe production environment.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on sheet metal fabrication equipment, including cleaning machines and work areas daily.
• Monitor consumables such as cutting gases, nozzles, and tooling, and report equipment issues promptly to coordinate repairs and adjustments.
• Support equipment troubleshooting and ensure machines are maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and operating equipment within safe parameters.
• Report safety hazards or concerns immediately and contribute to a culture of safety and compliance.
• Coordinate with programming and engineering personnel on CNC program issues, optimization opportunities, and process improvements.
• Communicate with production leadership on priorities, capacity, and scheduling to meet customer and internal deadlines.
• Collaborate with welding, powder coating, and assembly teams to ensure smooth handoff of parts and efficient flow through downstream operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of sheet metal fabrication experience or equivalent technical training.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and detailed work instructions.
• Proficiency with measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, tape measures, gauges, and related inspection equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and precision in fabrication and inspection tasks.
• Good mechanical aptitude and hand-eye coordination for operating and adjusting fabrication equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills for machine operation, CNC interface usage, and documentation of production and quality records.
• Ability to operate press brakes and other sheet metal equipment safely and effectively.
• Reliability and punctuality with a strong work ethic and ability to meet production schedules.
• Safety-focused mindset with adherence to established protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter while also contributing effectively in a team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2 or more years of sheet metal fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Technical certification or vocational training in sheet metal fabrication, machining, or a related trade.
• Experience operating laser cutters, press brakes, turret punches, and other CNC-controlled fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and its application in precision fabrication.
• Knowledge of different sheet metal materials, including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, and their behavior in fabrication processes.
• Experience working in contract manufacturing or high-mix production environments with varied part numbers and setups.
• Forklift certification and experience safely moving materials and finished goods.
• Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills in a production setting.
• Proven commitment to quality with pride in workmanship and a focus on producing accurate, defect-free parts.
• Process improvement orientation with willingness to suggest and support improvements to setup, workflow, and quality control.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams including welding, powder coating, assembly, and engineering.

Why Work Here?

Join a highly technical manufacturing environment that values precision, safety, and continuous improvement. You will work with modern fabrication technologies and collaborate closely with engineering, product development, and operations teams on a wide variety of components and projects. The culture emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and pride in craftsmanship, offering opportunities to grow your skills in CNC-controlled fabrication, quality inspection, and cross-functional collaboration. You will contribute to innovative products and concepts while benefiting from a structured, process-driven environment that supports professional development and long-term career progression.

Work Environment

This role operates in a modern manufacturing facility focused on high-quality component production using additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, and assembly. You will work around advanced fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes, waterjet and plasma cutters, and CNC-controlled machinery, with established safety protocols and ISO 9001-compliant processes. The environment emphasizes clean, organized work areas and 5S standards, with daily machine and workspace cleaning and strict use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The position starts on a day shift from approximately 6:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and then transitions to an evening shift from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., supporting production needs across multiple teams and technologies.

#AerojobsWA26

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/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 & 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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.

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.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.