Brake Press Operator, 2nd Shift

About the role

SPX is a diverse team of unique individuals who all make an impact. As a Brake Press Operator, you will manufacture precision metal components used in industrial air movement equipment. Safely set up and operate manual hydraulic and mechanical press brakes to bend, form, and fabricate sheet metal components according to engineering drawings and production specifications. Working as part of a collaborative manufacturing team, you will produce quality parts that meet engineering specifications while supporting safety, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a cross-functional manufacturing position with opportunities to develop skills operating additional fabrication equipment including rolls, punches, saws, forming equipment, and other metal fabrication machinery.

Responsibilities

• Safely set up and operate press brake equipment following company procedures and safety standards.
• Perform pre-operation equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area following 5S principles.
• Safely use required PPE and follow all plant safety policies.
• Support a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
• Set up and operate manual press brake equipment, including selecting and installing the appropriate punches and dies.
• Calculate bend allowances, bend sequences, and tooling requirements to produce parts within specification.
• Perform manual back gauge adjustments and machine setup for various material types and thicknesses.
• Verify first-piece quality and make manual machine adjustments as needed throughout production runs.
• Produce both short-run and high-volume parts while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, routing sheets, and production schedules.
• Verify material type, thickness, and dimensions before production.
• Operate fabrication equipment efficiently to meet production goals and customer delivery commitments.
• Use grinders and hand tools to remove burrs and prepare finished parts.
• Communicate production issues that could impact schedules or quality.
• Inspect finished parts using tape measures, calipers, squares, angle gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Verify dimensions, bend angles, and tolerances meet print specifications.
• Complete required production documentation accurately.
• Identify defects and take corrective action before parts move to the next operation.
• Maintain high quality standards while minimizing scrap and rework.
• Collaborate with supervisors, welders, material handlers, and other production team members.
• Crosstrain on other fabrication equipment as business needs require.
• Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving initiatives.
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Aid other departments when needed to support customer commitments.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience operating manual hydraulic or mechanical press brakes in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience performing manual machine setups, tooling changes, and bend adjustments.
• Experience fabricating sheet metal components using manual press brake equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and manufacturing drawings.
• Ability to accurately use measuring instruments including calipers, tape measures, and gauges.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and position materials.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.