Press Brake Operator

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you'll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that's always looking ahead.

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Corporation: Rite-Hite

Department: Operations

Reports To: Production Support Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Clare, MI

Purpose

Set up, program, and operate CNC Press Brake machines to produce high-quality parts according to engineering and customer specifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC Press Brake machines in compliance with safety guidelines.
• Program CNC controls using information provided on prints.
• Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and hoists.
• Verify that materials are correct in type and dimension before bending.
• Calculate blank sizes, bend locations, appropriate tonnage, and tooling for each part.
• Utilize work orders and QC packets to complete jobs accurately.
• Detect and correct equipment malfunctions or out-of-tolerance components; report issues to maintenance/management.
• Read, interpret, and apply information from blueprints.
• Verify machine settings and tolerances to ensure precision and quality.
• Perform quality checks before sending parts to the next operation.
• Use measurement tools (tape measure, caliper, micrometer) to verify work.
• Maintain the press dies and punches, keeping them free of debris and damage.
• Collaborate with engineers, production staff, or supervisors to resolve issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in products and processes.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience:

• Associate's degree in a technical field or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred.

• Minimum of 6 months to 1 year of related manufacturing or CNC Press Brake experience required.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

• Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints.

• Strong mathematical skills, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.

• Ability to solve practical problems and work with varying procedures and instructions.

• Skilled in the use of standard measurement tools.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.

• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain one preferred.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle materials, reach with arms, and communicate effectively.
• Frequently required to sit; occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs; occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and loud noise.
• Frequent exposure to vibration, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and outdoor weather.

What We Offer

At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.

• Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.

• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you're supported - at work and beyond.

Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.