What does a Brake Press Operator do?

A computer numerical control (CNC) press brake or brake press is a computer-guided machine that bends sheet metal into various shapes and configurations. A CNC Press Brake Operator is the worker responsible for operating this machine on a daily basis. By performing the duties established in a Brake Press Operator job description, they ensure that manufacturing facilities have correctly made parts to utilize when assembling vehicles, furniture, containers and other metal goods. As a result, their work directly contributes to customer satisfaction as well as the overall productivity of a manufacturing facility.

Brake Press Operator skills and qualifications

To carry out their assigned tasks successfully, a CNC Press Brake Operator needs a strong set of skills. Listing the following qualifications in your Brake Press Operator job description can help you identify quality candidates for your open position:

• In-depth understanding of the parts of a press brake and how the machine works
• Computer skills to operate CNC software
• Ability to remain upright and perform repetitive movements throughout most of a work shift
• Arithmetic skills to perform measurements and calculate settings
• Ability to move heavy or large pieces of sheet metal from one place to another
• Observation skills to monitor the pressing process and inspect metal after pressing
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations for the manufacturing industry
• Familiarity with blueprints and the terminology used in technical specification sheets

Brake Press Operator experience requirements

A Brake Press Operator can learn how to perform their duties while on the job. However, it may take up to one year for a new hire with no experience to be ready to operate a CNC press brake independently. If your staffing situation requires you to hire someone who can begin working on their own immediately, it can help to specify two or more years of experience as a requirement in your Brake Press Operator job description.

Brake Press Operator education and training requirements

There are generally no formal education requirements for Brake Press Operators, as most learn on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does require Brake Press Operators to receive training on the safe operation of press brakes. If you need your new hire to begin work right away, you may wish to prioritize candidates who have already received this training.

You may also want to focus on those who hold Precision Press Brake certification from the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). To obtain this credential, a CNC Press Brake Operator must complete a training course and pass an exam.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the description of Brake Press Operator job duties and responsibilities doesn’t align fully with your business needs, explore these related job titles:

• CNC Operator
• Fabricator
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Manufacturing Technician

Brake Press Operator job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Brake Press Operator and a Sheet Metal Fabricator?

Sheet Metal Fabricator is a general term for workers who shape and manipulate sheet metal during the manufacturing process. They work with a variety of tools and machines on a daily basis. A Brake Press Operator is a sheet metal worker whose job involves setting, operating and maintaining a single piece of equipment: the press brake.

What’s the difference between a Press Operator and a Brake Press Operator?

There are many kinds of presses used to fabricate metal parts, components and products. A Press Operator is someone whose job duties center on using any of these types of machines in a manufacturing facility. They may operate just one type of press or many different types of presses on a daily basis. On the other hand, a Brake Press Operator is only responsible for the operation and maintenance of a press brake.

What’s the difference between a CNC Press Brake Operator and a CNC Tool Programmer?

A CNC Tool Programmer develops software programs that control various types of CNC manufacturing equipment, such as CNC press brakes. A CNC Press Brake Operator is the worker responsible for using the programs developed by CNC Tool Programmers to operate a press brake in a manufacturing facility.