Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Machinist

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Press Brake Operator who will also assist with various fabrication duties including turret punches, laser cutting, and water jets. Our fabrication machines include LVD, Safan, and Pullmax brands, which are slightly older but still in excellent working condition. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working collaboratively and offering support wherever needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC fabrication equipment including water jet, laser cutting, turret punch, and press brake machines.
• Perform material cutting, punching, and forming operations as per work orders, shop travelers, and engineering drawings.
• Load and unload sheet metal, plate, and raw materials onto machine tables or material handling systems.
• Select appropriate tooling, dies, and machine programs for each job.
• Read and interpret blueprints, flat patterns, and forming requirements.
• Adjust machine parameters to maintain dimensional accuracy and part quality.
• Inspect completed parts using calipers, protractors, gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Safely handle materials to prevent damage or injury during fabrication processes.
• Operate manual fabrication equipment such as saws, drills, grinders, and tapping equipment as needed.
• Maintain part traceability and traveler integrity throughout fabrication processes.
• Label, stage, and prepare completed parts for downstream welding or electrical assembly.
• Perform routine machine cleaning and basic troubleshooting.
• Record production data and part counts accurately within shop floor tracking systems.
• Report material shortages, equipment issues, or quality concerns to the Production Supervisor.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years experience setting up and operating water jets, laser cutters, turret punches, and press brake machines.
• Comfortable selecting correct tooling dies and programs for each job.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Basic understanding of metal types, thicknesses, and forming characteristics.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Sheet metal handling.
• Fabrication expertise.
• Proficiency with water jet and laser operation.
• Blueprint reading capabilities.

Why Work Here?

Join a small, family-owned company that offers a supportive environment and opportunities for cross-training in multiple skillsets. We provide a competitive benefits package including a 4% 401k company match, Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Benefits with 50% of the premium paid by the company for single coverage, and six paid holidays annually.

Work Environment

Work in a collaborative setting with slightly older but well-maintained machines including LVD, Safan, and Pullmax brands. Employees are expected to be team players, providing assistance wherever necessary and maintaining a high level of safety during fabrication processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $30.00/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 Inver Grove Heights,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.