Machine Operator - Brake Press

At USA Wood Door, we deliver tailored solutions with trusted service, exceptional quality, and superior speed. Our team works closely together and with our customers to understand project needs, craft custom doors, frames, and metal components, and deliver them fast — often in two weeks or less. With deep expertise and a commitment to reliability, we help customers solve problems and keep projects on track across industries such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and retail.

This position is based in our metal door shop, where precision, craftsmanship, safety, and efficiency support our growing metal fabrication operations. The Brake Press Operator is responsible for setting up and operating press brake equipment to bend, punch, and form metal components used in the production of custom doors, frames, and related products. Metalworking or metal fabrication experience is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the work performed in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Set up and operate press brakes to bend, punch, or form metal sheets and plates in the metal door shop.

• Manually handle, lift, position, and align metal sheets or components into the press brake before bending or forming.

• Read and interpret machining sheets, templates, drawings, and written work orders to determine materials, tooling, dimensions, and sequence of operations.

• Input programming data into the machine controller, including material type, bend angles, tooling parameters, and other job-specific requirements.

• Select, install, adjust, and change machine tooling for various jobs.

• Inspect finished parts, door components, and related products to ensure accuracy, quality, and conformity to specifications.

• Perform operations required by work orders to configure doors, frames, and related metal components.

• Operate assigned machines safely and efficiently.

• Perform basic periodic maintenance and report equipment issues, safety concerns, or needed repairs to the Shop Supervisor.

• Follow all safety rules, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work area.

• Follow quality control guidelines and notify the Shop Supervisor of discrepancies, defects, or other quality concerns.

• Demonstrate competence and working knowledge of each machine the employee is trained and authorized to operate.

• Complete assignments efficiently to support production goals without compromising safety or quality.

• Communicate with the Shop Supervisor regarding work status, late arrival, early departure, completion of daily work orders, or other assigned tasks.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work safely and follow established safety rules and procedures.

• Working knowledge of press brake operation, metal fabrication processes, and general shop practices preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret machining sheets, templates, work orders, and basic production documents.

• Ability to use measuring tools such as a tape measure and caliper.

• Ability to use hand tools and power tools as required.

• Ability to perform basic math, including addition and subtraction of whole numbers and fractions, and conversion of fractions to decimals.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

• Ability to work under general supervision.

• Ability to handle moderately complex issues and refer more complex problems to higher-level staff.

• Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced production environment.

• Willingness to cross-train and rotate tasks as needed to support production.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Previous machine operation experience preferred.

• Press brake operation experience strongly preferred.

• Metalworking, metal fabrication, manufacturing, or production experience preferred.

• Fork truck experience is a plus, if applicable to assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing and metal fabrication environment. The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, metal materials, noise, dust, and typical shop conditions. Personal protective equipment is required as directed by company policy and safety procedures.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those that may be required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Stand and/or walk for extended periods during the work shift.

• Use hands and arms to handle, position, align, and move materials, parts, tools, and equipment.

• Reach, including occasional work with extended arms.

• Bend, stoop, kneel, squat, or otherwise position the body to access materials, equipment, or work areas.

• Lift, carry, push, pull, or move materials and components, with assistance or mechanical aids when appropriate.

• Perform repetitive motions associated with machine operation, material handling, measuring, and inspection.

• Visually inspect parts and components for accuracy, quality, and conformity to specifications.

• Communicate with supervisors and team members regarding work instructions, safety matters, and production needs.

Typical physical demand levels may include:

• Lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds frequently.

• Lifting or carrying 30 to 60 pounds regularly.

• Lifting or carrying over 60 pounds occasionally, with assistance or mechanical aids when appropriate.

• Pushing or pulling up to 100 pounds occasionally or seldom, with assistance or mechanical aids when appropriate.

• Kneeling occasionally.

• Squatting occasionally.

• Stooping frequently.

• Working with extended arms occasionally or seldom.

• Standing in one spot for long periods, as needed for machine operation.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Statement

USA Wood Door is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

USA Wood Door is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the job, please contact the company so that we may engage in the interactive process.