Press Brake Operator - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Shift

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay: Starting at $17.00 per hour or higher, based on experience
Job Type: Full-Time

Available Shifts

• 1st Shift: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 PM to 4:00 AM
• 3rd Shift: Friday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Position Summary

We are seeking experienced and dependable Press Brake Operators for manufacturing opportunities in Gastonia, NC. This position is responsible for setting up and operating press brake equipment to bend, form, and fabricate metal components according to blueprints, work orders, and production specifications.

Candidates must have at least 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience. Previous press brake, CNC, machining, metal fabrication, or industrial equipment experience is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Candidates must be able to read blueprints, use precision measuring tools, and comfortably use a computer or machine control panel to load and select production programs.

Experience operating Amada, Cincinnati, Mitsubishi, Diamond, Salvagnini, or similar press brake equipment is a strong plus.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake equipment to bend, form, and fabricate metal components according to work orders, blueprints, and production specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, dimensions, measurements, tolerances, and work instructions.
• Select, install, and adjust appropriate tooling and dies based on production requirements.
• Use CNC controls, computers, or machine control panels to load, select, enter, and adjust production programs.
• Enter and adjust machine settings, including bend angles, dimensions, tooling specifications, and other required parameters.
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments as needed to maintain dimensional accuracy and product quality.
• Inspect finished parts using calipers, micrometers, angle gauges, tape measures, and other precision measuring or inspection tools.
• Verify completed parts meet blueprint specifications, tolerances, and quality requirements.
• Identify and report quality concerns, machine issues, tooling problems, or production discrepancies.
• Make basic machine adjustments to correct dimensional or production issues within established procedures.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic preventive maintenance.
• Complete required production, inspection, and quality documentation accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow established safety procedures and properly use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Work effectively with production, quality, and manufacturing team members to meet production and quality goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience required.
• Previous experience working with industrial machinery, fabrication equipment, CNC equipment, press brakes, machining equipment, or similar manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, production specifications, and measurements.
• Experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, angle gauges, and tape measures.
• Ability to accurately verify dimensions and determine whether parts meet required specifications.
• Comfortable using a computer, touchscreen, CNC control, or machine control panel to load and select programs.
• Basic understanding of machine setup, tooling, and production processes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, quality work.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work effectively in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work the complete assigned shift.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Press Brake Operator experience strongly preferred.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC-controlled press brake equipment.
• Experience with Amada, Cincinnati, Mitsubishi, Diamond, Salvagnini, or similar equipment is a plus.
• Metal fabrication, machining, sheet metal, stamping, or related manufacturing experience.
• Experience selecting and changing press brake tooling and dies.
• Understanding of bend allowances, angles, tolerances, and dimensional specifications.
• Vocational or technical training in manufacturing, machining, metal fabrication, or a related field.
• Basic computer skills for loading programs, entering machine settings, or recording production information.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong blueprint-reading ability.
• Accurate use of precision measuring equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain dimensional accuracy and quality standards.
• Basic computer and CNC control-panel skills.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and production specifications.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently while meeting production expectations.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.

Work Environment

This position is performed on an active manufacturing production floor and may involve exposure to moving machinery, industrial noise, metal materials, dust, and changing temperatures.

The facility is not climate-controlled and does not have air conditioning, so candidates must be comfortable working in varying temperatures throughout the scheduled shift.

Required Personal Protective Equipment must be worn while performing applicable job duties, and all established safety procedures must be followed.

Physical Requirements

To perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation, employees may be required to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 65 pounds, with assistance or mechanical equipment when appropriate.
• Safely handle sheet metal, fabricated components, tooling, and other production materials.
• Safely operate manufacturing equipment and use precision measuring and inspection tools.
• Maintain sufficient visual attention and hand-eye coordination to inspect parts and accurately verify measurements.
• Work the complete scheduled shift.