Machine Operator – Brake Press IV

Scope of Position:

The Brake Press Operator IV is the highest-level fabrication professional and recognized subject matter expert responsible for independently operating, setting up, programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC brake press equipment in support of custom engineered-to-order manufacturing.

This role serves as the department's technical trainer and mentor, providing hands-on instruction, guidance, and qualification support for Brake Press Operators I, II, and III while promoting standardized work practices and operational excellence.

The Operator IV owns the most complex jobs, critical setups, process improvements, and troubleshooting activities while partnering with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production leadership to improve safety, quality, productivity, and employee development. The Brake Press Operator IV demonstrates expert-level knowledge of machine programming, tooling selection, bend sequencing, advanced setup techniques, process optimization, and quality verification while serving as the technical resource for brake press operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational

• Independently set up, program, operate, and optimize CNC brake press equipment to produce complex parts meeting engineering and quality requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, models, work instructions, and technical specifications to determine manufacturing requirements.
• Develop and optimize machine programs, tooling selections, bend sequences, and machine parameters to improve quality, productivity, and repeatability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex setup, tooling, machine, and material-related issues while minimizing downtime and supporting production flow.
• Support new product introductions, prototype development, and the execution of complex or customer-critical fabrication projects.

Quality & Documentation

• Perform and verify first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment and approved inspection methods.
• Accurately report production, labor, scrap, rework, downtime, and process improvement activities while maintaining required manufacturing documentation.
• Review and improve setup sheets, work instructions, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and repeatability.
• Partner with Engineering, Programming, and Quality to resolve manufacturing issues, support root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions.

Maintenance & Safety

• Perform advanced operator-level preventative maintenance and identify equipment performance issues affecting safety, quality, or productivity.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to improve machine reliability, uptime, and operational effectiveness.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company safety standards and environmental requirements.
• Promote safe operating practices and serve as a role model for safety compliance and housekeeping expectations

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for brake press operations and provide guidance to Operators I, II, and III.
• Train, coach, and validate operator competency in machine operation, setup techniques, tooling selection, inspection methods, and troubleshooting.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on setup reduction, quality improvement, waste elimination, and productivity gains.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production leadership to improve manufacturing performance and support workforce development.

Perform any other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 6-8 years of brake press operation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Expert-level knowledge of CNC brake press operation, setup, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex machine setups and process optimization activities.
• Advanced understanding of tooling selection, bend deduction, bend sequencing, material characteristics, and forming techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Advanced proficiency using precision measuring instruments and inspection methods.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex dimensional and quality issues.
• Experience training, mentoring, and developing manufacturing personnel.
• Strong communication, leadership, coaching, and documentation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing safety requirements and best practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to cross-train in other machine operator roles.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts and overtime as needed.

Preferred:

• ·Expert experience with Ermaksan and/or Cincinnati brake press equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of offline programming software and program optimization.
• Knowledge of additional fabrication equipment (laser, punch, shear, welding, and assembly processes).
• Experience supporting engineered-to-order and HVAC manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives.
• Lean Manufacturing and 5S experience.
• Overhead Crane Certification.
• Proven track record of achieving quality, productivity, training, and safety objectives.