This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
79% STARs in role.
Brake Press Set Up Lead
$27 - $30 - up to
$34 with advanced programming and complex setup experience
Job Description
The Brake Press Set Up Lead serves as the technical expert for press brake setup within a precision sheet metal fabrication environment. This role independently performs complex CNC press brake setups, develops and adjusts programs, selects and configures tooling, and ensures all brake press equipment is fully production-ready before jobs are released to operators. The position provides hands-on leadership by mentoring setup technicians and operators, troubleshooting production issues, validating first articles, and driving continuous improvement to enhance setup efficiency and product quality. The Brake Press Set Up Lead partners closely with engineering, programming, and operations teams to support new product introductions and to optimize manufacturing processes for safety, quality, and productivity in a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities
- Independently perform complex CNC press brake setups for precision sheet metal fabrication jobs.
- Develop, modify, and optimize CNC press brake programs to meet production and quality requirements.
- Select, configure, and verify appropriate brake press tooling for each job, including advanced tooling configurations.
- Ensure all brake press equipment and setups are production-ready before jobs are released to operators.
- Conduct first article inspections and validate initial parts to confirm conformance to specifications and drawings.
- Interpret engineering drawings and apply blueprint reading and GD&T principles to establish correct bend sequences and setups.
- Troubleshoot bend quality issues, setup problems, and machine-related concerns to minimize downtime and scrap.
- Apply knowledge of bend allowance and spring back compensation to achieve accurate bend angles and dimensions.
- Lead and mentor setup technicians and operators, providing technical coaching and on-the-job training.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on setup efficiency, first-pass yield, and overall brake press performance.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, programming, and operations teams to support new product introductions and process changes.
- Use precision measuring equipment and quality inspection techniques to verify part accuracy and maintain quality standards.
- Support production scheduling by ensuring setups are completed on time and machines are ready for upcoming jobs.
- Participate in root cause analysis activities to identify and resolve recurring quality or process issues.
- Communicate effectively during shift handoffs to ensure continuity of production and accurate transfer of setup information.
- Contribute to lean manufacturing efforts by identifying waste, improving workflows, and standardizing setup procedures.
- Maintain a safe work area and follow all safety guidelines when working with CNC fabrication equipment and tooling.
Essential Skills
- Expert-level CNC press brake setup and programming experience in a precision sheet metal fabrication environment.
- Proficiency with Amada or comparable CNC press brake controls.
- Advanced brake press tooling selection, configuration, and verification skills.
- Strong blueprint reading abilities and GD&T interpretation skills.
- Demonstrated expertise in sheet metal fabrication processes and practices.
- Proven ability to perform first article inspections and validate initial parts against specifications.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting bend quality issues and setup-related problems.
- Knowledge of bend allowance and spring back compensation and their application in press brake operations.
- Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers and other inspection tools.
- Competence in quality inspection techniques and adherence to quality standards.
- Ability to optimize manufacturing processes with a focus on safety, quality, and productivity.
- Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and training setup technicians and operators.
- Capability to solve technical problems under production deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication skills for shift handoff communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience improving first-pass yield through setup optimization and process refinement.
- Experience in manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and practices in a production environment.
- Experience participating in or leading root cause analysis for quality or process issues.
- Demonstrated ability to provide technical coaching and structured training to team members.
- Experience working closely with engineering, programming, and operations teams on new product introductions.
- Familiarity with production scheduling considerations related to press brake setup readiness.
Why Work Here?
Employees join a highly skilled fabrication team where they can serve as a technical leader and directly influence production efficiency, quality, and overall manufacturing performance. The environment offers the opportunity to work with advanced CNC press brake technology and complex sheet metal components, providing ongoing technical challenges and growth. Team members enjoy a high level of autonomy and decision-making authority, along with competitive hourly compensation and premium pay opportunities tied to advanced programming expertise. The culture emphasizes collaboration, with strong partnerships across engineering, programming, and operations, and offers clear pathways to expand both leadership and technical capabilities within manufacturing operations.
Work Environment
The role operates within a CNC fabrication and production environment with regular exposure to CNC press brakes and other fabrication equipment. Employees can expect moderate to high noise levels, the presence of metal dust and airborne particles, and variable warehouse and production floor temperatures. The position requires frequent standing and walking throughout the shift, as well as regular handling of tooling, fabricated components, and raw materials. Company-provided personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other required gear, must be worn as directed to maintain a safe working environment.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Mesquite, TX.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $56160.00 - $70720.00/yr.
Time off benefits 401k medical, dental, vision short term disability company paid life insurance
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Mesquite,TX.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 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.
Posting ID: JP-006152004