Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake and Laser Operator

Job Description

The Press Brake and Laser Operator sets up and operates press brake and laser equipment to cut and form sheet metal according to detailed drawings and prints. This role selects appropriate sheet metal materials, follows precise measurements, and uses pre-programmed laser codes to produce accurate parts that meet project specifications and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake machines to cut and form sheet metal to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Operate laser equipment to cut parts out of sheet metal in accordance with detailed job instructions and project plans.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and prints to determine correct measurements, bend locations, and cut patterns.
• Use pre-programmed laser codes to perform accurate and consistent metal cuts as required by each project.
• Select proper sheet metal materials for each job based on project instructions and requirements.
• Measure materials using tape measures and other measuring tools to verify dimensions before and after cutting or forming.
• Deburr sharp corners and edges on sheet metal parts as needed to ensure safe handling and quality finish.
• Operate additional fabrication equipment such as shears and related machinery to support production needs.
• Monitor machine operation to ensure quality, make basic adjustments as needed, and report any issues or malfunctions.
• Work collaboratively with 2–3 other operators in the department to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Follow all safety procedures while working with press brakes, lasers, and other fabrication equipment in loud and industrial environments.
• Support overtime and weekend work as required by business needs to complete production commitments.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience setting up and operating press brake machines.
• Proficiency operating laser cutting equipment for sheet metal fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and prints for accurate cutting and forming.
• Strong tape measure and general measurement skills to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Practical experience working with sheet metal in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Capability to operate fabrication equipment such as shears and other metalworking machinery.
• Comfort working in loud industrial environments and around heavy machinery.
• Ability to work overtime, including occasional weekends, based on production demands.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Forklift certification is a plus.
• Experience working in agricultural or construction-related industries is preferred.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, accurate parts.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team of operators.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Salida, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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 Salida,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.