Manufacturing Technician - Press Brake Operator

Salary: $20-25/ hour, depending on experience

Job Type: Full-time, hourly pay, with medical, dental, PTO, and 401k Hours: 40 hours per week, 1st shift - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 

Department: Production 

Supervisor: CEO 

About Ward’s Manufacturing 

Kiffin and Kelly Ward are sibling co-founders of Ward’s Manufacturing, which provides metal fabrication services, specializing in fiber laser cutting and CNC press brake bending metal. We help make custom metal parts for anything from Olympic kayaks to sports equipment to art. At Ward’s Manufacturing, you will work with two founders who can mentor you on how to run a small business. We hope you will find it as rewarding as we do to make things our community and country need. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Technician to join our team and help us meet our production goals. The Manufacturing Technician’s main responsibility will be reviewing part drawings and operating and maintaining a press brake. This includes machine calibration and set-up, inputting data from drawing dimensions to form parts, and ensuring part quality. There is also the opportunity to learn how to operate and maintain a fiber laser. 

Ward’s Manufacturing has two part-time hires and this will be our first full-time hire, so we are looking for someone with a strong work ethic willing to step up and help with various tasks to help run and grow our small business. While the Manufacturing Technician’s main responsibility will be operating and maintaining a press brake, other tasks could include receiving deliveries, deburring parts, quality control and assurance, and packing parts to be ready for shipment. 

There are opportunities for professional development and career advancement, growing into a role with input in company decisions including daily operations, new equipment selection, and future hires for the manufacturing team. 

Responsibilities 

• Operate a press brake to bend laser-cut metal parts per customer specifications. 
• Calibrate the press brake at the beginning of each day or after long periods of rest. 
• Read and interpret job orders, including drawings and specifications to ensure the correct dimensions and tolerances are met. 
• Adjust ram/punch/back gauge locations per process instructions and drawings. 
• Check dimensions of laser cut parts before and after bending using micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, height/drop gauges, digital angle finders and other precision-measuring instruments. 
• Select appropriate tooling, dies, and punches for the job at hand. 
• Recommend new tooling for potential business outside of our capabilities. 
• Operate a fiber laser machine to cut metal sheets into the required form. 
• Read job orders and understand flat print drawings to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, and set up the fiber laser accordingly. 
• Assist with cut schedule as needed, taking files of sheet nestings created by a supervisor and having the ability to program the laser and complete cut jobs 
• This includes correct selection of cutting parameters, nozzles, assist gas, and other procedures as trained by the supervisor. 
• Perform production activities including receiving deliveries, handling sheet and plate metal, deburring and cleaning metal parts, and packaging and shipping customer orders. 
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment and machinery. 
• Perform quality control procedures, including First Article Inspection (FAI). 
• Operate a forklift to move raw materials, finished goods, and other items. 
• Communicate effectively with other team members to meet production goals. 
• Complete and maintain all required documentation. 
• Complete all required training programs. 
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean work area. 
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned. 

Required Qualifications 

• At least 1 year of experience operating a press brake machine. 
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and specifications in their flat pattern and bent forms. 
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately. 
• Experience working with precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other gauges. 
• Knowledge of metal fabrication techniques and materials. 
• Ability to stand or do repetitive movements for extended periods and to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Good communication and teamwork skills. 
• Must have own transportation. 
• An independent worker who can be given tasks to complete without constant supervision after initial training. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• We would like someone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the company and grow with it. 
• Experience operating a fiber laser. 
• Experience with CAD/CAM, especially with DXF files. 
• Good math skills to help understand complex instructions, how schematics work and to make sure items are progressively formed correctly. 
• Forklift experience. 
• Overhead crane experience. 

Benefits 

• Medical/dental/vision 
• 15 days paid time off per year 
• 401k 
• On the job technical training with the latest metal fabrication technology, including a 3kw fiber laser and 10ft. 190 ton press brake. 
• Opportunities for performance-based raises and bonuses. 
• Opportunities for career advancement. 

Diversity 

We welcome all backgrounds and encourage you to apply if this role interests and excites you. At Ward’s Manufacturing, we’re committed to cultivating an inclusive environment. We want you to feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work with you. All applicants will be considered without regard to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Ward’s Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.