Job Description

JIREH METAL PRODUCTS

Job Description: Lead Press Brake Operator

Location: Grandville, MI

Reports To: Production Manager

Interfaces With: Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance

Role Purpose

• Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team.
• Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake equipment to manufacture parts that meet customer specifications and Jireh Metal Products’ quality standards.
• Create and maintain job documentation, machine programs, tooling requirements, and standardized setup instructions.
• Develop press brake processes and team capabilities to support safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and future growth.

Core Accountabilities

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide daily work direction, technical support, and coaching to Press Brake Operators and assigned team members.
• Coordinate work priorities based on production schedules, staffing, equipment, tooling, and material availability.
• Train and cross-train team members on machine operation, programming, setups, blueprint reading, inspection, safety, and quality requirements.
• Evaluate operator capabilities, identify training needs, and develop backup coverage for critical jobs and equipment.
• Communicate production status, delays, quality concerns, employee issues, and resource needs to the Production Manager.

Press Brake Operations

• Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake equipment in accordance with work instructions and production schedules.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders, bend requirements, and manufacturing specifications.
• Select, install, and verify the proper tooling, punches, and dies for each production run.
• Perform complex setups and assist operators with new jobs, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.

Job Documentation and Setup Development

• Create and maintain machine programs, tooling requirements, setup instructions, inspection requirements, and job documentation.
• Develop clear and repeatable setup procedures that allow trained operators to produce conforming parts consistently.
• Maintain organized machine programs and ensure the correct program and document revisions are used.
• Assist in updating documentation based on engineering changes, tooling changes, production issues, and lessons learned.

Quality

• Inspect parts using calipers, angle gauges, tape measures, fixtures, and other measuring devices as required.
• Ensure team members understand print requirements, critical dimensions, and inspection expectations.
• Identify and report quality concerns, tooling issues, equipment problems, material defects, and process variation.
• Stop production when requirements are not met and support containment, corrective action, and continuous improvement activities.

Equipment and Tooling

• Perform routine equipment inspections and ensure required maintenance activities are completed.
• Maintain tooling in good working condition and report damaged or worn tooling.
• Assist with troubleshooting machine, programming, setup, and tooling issues.
• Maintain organized machines, tooling, and work areas.

Safety and Workplace Organization

• Lead by example in following company safety policies and safe operating procedures.
• Ensure team members use required machine safeguards, material handling practices, and personal protective equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas using 5S principles.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment, or work practices.

Systems and Documentation

• Accurately complete and review production reporting and required documentation.
• Utilize company systems including Plex, Job Web, machine programming systems, and other manufacturing software as required.
• Ensure production quantities, labor, scrap, downtime, setup time, and quality information are recorded accurately.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead improvements focused on safety, quality, setup reduction, productivity, tooling organization, and error prevention.
• Support new product launches, process development, and production readiness activities.
• Work with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Material Handling to improve press brake performance.
• Perform other duties necessary to support customer, operational, and business requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC press brake equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Ability to provide work direction, training, and technical support to team members.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of CNC press brake experience.
• Previous lead, supervisory, or team training experience.
• Experience developing machine programs, setup documentation, and standardized work instructions.
• Experience in a metal fabrication manufacturing environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Strong knowledge of CNC press brake programming, tooling, setups, and forming methods.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and coordinate a small team.
• Ability to create clear and repeatable job documentation.
• Dependable attendance and work habits.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Continuous visual attention while operating machinery and inspecting parts.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with moving machinery and equipment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, oils, grease, sharp metal edges, and varying temperatures.
• Exposure to manufacturing hazards requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Safety glasses required.
• Hearing protection required.
• Additional PPE as required by task or work area.

Key Performance Indicators

• Safety performance.
• Team leadership, training, and development.
• Quality performance and first-pass yield.
• Productivity and schedule attainment.
• Setup efficiency and machine utilization.
• Accuracy and completeness of job documentation.
• Reduction of scrap, rework, downtime, and recurring issues.
• Housekeeping and 5S compliance.
• Adherence to work instructions and operating procedures.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Packaging Experience
• Machine Geometry & Alignment
• Precision Measurement & Inspection
• Meets Physical Requirements
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• 2D Drawings (Solidworks)
• Press Brake
• CAD Software (Solidworks, AutoCAD)
• ERP Software (Plex)
• Measurement Gauges
• Calipers and Micrometers