Job Title: Press Brake Operator (Entry Level)
Job Description
The Press Brake Operator sets up and operates press brake machines to bend, form, and shape metal parts according to detailed specifications. This role works from work orders, prints, and build sheets, uses precision measuring tools to verify accuracy, and ensures that all parts meet quality and appearance standards throughout the fabrication process.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate press brake machines to bend, form, and shape metal parts according to job specifications and requirements.
Interpret work orders, blueprints, and build sheets to determine correct dimensions, bend angles, and material requirements.
Measure and verify parts using precision tools such as calipers, tape measures, and angle finders to ensure conformance to specifications.
Adjust machine settings, tooling, and back gauges to achieve accurate bends and repeatable results.
Monitor part quality throughout the production process and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality standards.
Inspect finished parts for defects, dimensional accuracy, and overall quality, and identify and report any nonconformances.
Perform finishing work as needed, including polishing logos and components to meet quality and appearance standards.
Monitor machine operation to identify issues, ensure proper function, and prevent damage to tooling or materials.
Perform routine machine care, including basic preventive maintenance such as cleaning and lubrication.
Maintain proper identification, labeling, and organization of raw materials, in-process work, and completed parts.
Keep the work area clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards at all times.
Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Support cross-training initiatives and assist in other fabrication areas as needed to meet production demands.
Collaborate with engineering and other team members to develop and refine products and ensure manufacturability.
Change out press brake dies and tooling as needed to support different jobs and part configurations.
Support accurate gauge calibration and setup to maintain consistent, high-quality bends and dimensions.
Essential Skills
Experience operating a press brake in a fabrication or machine shop environment.
Hands-on tooling experience, including changing out dies and setting up tooling for different jobs.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and build sheets.
Ability to read a tape measure accurately to 1/16 inch.
Proficiency using calipers and angle finders to verify dimensions and angles.
Familiarity with hand and power tools used in metal fabrication.
Basic understanding of metal fabrication processes.
Ability to perform accurate measurements and quality checks throughout the production process.
Ability to monitor machine operation and identify potential issues or irregularities.
Commitment to following safety procedures and using required PPE.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in a fabrication machine shop environment.
Knowledge of tool and die concepts related to press brake operations.
Experience with gauge calibration and precision measuring practices.
Comfort working with a variety of fabrication equipment and machining tools.
Why Work Here?
Employees join a team that takes pride in building fully custom products and celebrates the craftsmanship behind each project. The organization invests in training and development, involving supervisors from every department in the interview process to ensure strong support from day one. Team members enjoy a culture that truly cares about their well-being, with regular company events such as large summer and Thanksgiving gatherings with catered food and prizes. Leadership actively focuses on morale, offering thoughtful gestures like chilled beverages, ice cream, and popsicles during hot weather. The company offers A and B shifts with flexible schedules and frequently promotes from within, creating clear opportunities for growth and advancement.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fabrication and machine shop environment working with press brakes, tooling, and various hand and power tools. Team members regularly use precision measuring equipment such as tape measures, calipers, and angle finders, and may work with Delem controllers and other fabrication technologies. The facility is not climate controlled, so temperatures can vary with the seasons, and the company actively supports comfort during warmer months with chilled beverages and treats. Work is performed on A and B shifts with flexible scheduling options, and the environment emphasizes safety, organization, and adherence to PPE requirements while maintaining a collaborative, hands-on production setting
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Maryville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Maryville,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
About Aerotek:
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 meets 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 solving for 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.
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.
