Job Description

How you will make an Impact (Job Summary)

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.

This position is primarily on 2nd Shift and requires initial training on 1st Shift.

What you can expect in this role (Job Responsibilities)

While each day brings new opportunities at SPX, your core responsibilities will be:

Safety

• 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.

Production & Delivery

• 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.

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.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• 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.

What we are looking for (Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education)

We each bring something to the table, and we are looking for someone who has:

**Required Experience **

• 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

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of press brake tooling, punch and die selection, and setup procedures.
• Ability to calculate bend deductions, bend allowances, and flat patterns.
• Experience working with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Ability to troubleshoot forming issues and make manual machine adjustments to achieve dimensional accuracy.
• Forklift or overhead crane experience
• Lean Manufacturing or 5S experience
• Welding or general metal fabrication experience
• Strong attendance and reliability

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

Working Environment

This position is performed in a manufacturing environment.

The employee will frequently:

• Stand for extended periods
• Bend, reach, stoop, twist, and climb as needed
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance when appropriate
• Perform repetitive hand and arm motions
• Work around moving machinery and overhead cranes
• Be exposed to varying temperatures, loud noise, dust, and vibration
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

You should be proficient in:

• Blueprint Reading
• Press Brake Operation
• Sheet Metal Fabrication
• Mechanical Aptitude

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Press Brake
• Overhead Crane
• Precision Measuring Tools