1st Shift Brake Press Setup Operator
Grand Haven MI
$21-24/hour
Weekly Pay
Job Description
Join a small, growing manufacturing team as a Set Up Operator / Press Brake Operator on a first-shift schedule. You will set up and operate press brake machines to bend and shape sheet metal components with high precision, ensuring products meet strict quality and dimensional standards. Working closely with a collaborative team, you will contribute directly to the production of durable, high-performance seating components used in a variety of transportation applications.
Set up and operate press brake machines to produce accurate bends according to detailed blueprints and specifications.
Read and interpret technical drawings, complex blueprints, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) to ensure precise fabrication.
Adjust machine settings for different materials, thicknesses, and bend angles to optimize performance and maintain quality.
Perform routine inspections of finished parts using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and tolerances.
Conduct quality inspections throughout production runs to identify defects or deviations from specifications and take corrective action as needed.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following safety protocols involving hand tools, tooling, cranes, and other equipment.
Collaborate with team members on fabrication processes that may involve CNC laser cutting, CNC milling machines, CNC lathe operations, plasma cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), stamping presses, welding, and assembly tasks.
Apply basic math skills to calculate dimensions, material requirements, and bend allowances for various jobs.
Assist with basic machine maintenance procedures and tooling setups to ensure reliable operation.
Perform other shop tasks and assist in different areas of the operation when work volume requires flexibility.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 3 years of experience operating press brake machines in a manufacturing environment.
Proven ability to set up and operate press brake machines with a strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication.
Ability to read complex blueprints and apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) for precise measurements and tolerances.
Mechanical knowledge of tooling setups, CNC programming basics, and machine maintenance procedures.
Proficiency using hand tools and precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers for quality inspection.
Basic math skills for calculating dimensions, bend allowances, and material requirements.
Knowledge of safety procedures related to crane operation and handling sheet metal materials.
Strong attention to detail with excellent problem-solving abilities.
Experience working with brake presses in a production environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Familiarity with CNC laser cutting, plasma cutting, and electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes.
Experience with CNC milling machines and CNC lathes in a metal fabrication setting.
Exposure to stamping presses, welding techniques, and mechanical assembly work.
Comfort working in a small team environment where flexibility and willingness to assist in various tasks is important.
Ability to adapt to changing workloads and support other shop functions when needed.
Why Work Here?
You will join a close-knit team in a small shop that is committed to significant growth over the next several years, offering the opportunity to grow with the business and expand your responsibilities as the operation scales. The environment encourages versatility, collaboration, and hands-on involvement across different fabrication processes, giving you the chance to broaden your skills and experience. As part of a tight team, your contributions will be visible and valued, and you will have a direct impact on the success and evolution of the operation.
Work Environment
This role is based in a small, very organized shop located in an older building, providing a traditional, hands-on manufacturing setting. You will work first shift hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no weekend shifts. The environment involves regular use of press brake machines, hand tools, precision measuring instruments, cranes, and various CNC and fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, milling machines, lathes, plasma cutters, EDM, stamping presses, and welding stations. The shop emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and adherence to safety protocols while maintaining a practical, production-focused atmosphere.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Haven, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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 Grand Haven,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 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.
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.
