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Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Job Description

The CNC Press Brake & Waterjet Fabrication Specialist is a highly skilled, dual-role position responsible for the precision forming and cutting of sheet metal and plate materials. This role requires extensive knowledge of CNC press brake operation, including complex setup, tooling selection, and quality verification. Additionally, the specialist will operate and maintain a CNC waterjet system, ensuring high tolerance cutting and efficient material utilization. The successful candidate must prioritize safety, quality, and workflow optimization across both disciplines.

Responsibilities

+ Independently set up, program, and operate CNC Press Brake (Cincinnati 120 ton CNC hydraulic) to produce parts that meet strict geometric tolerances.

+ Read and accurately interpret complex engineering blueprints, CAD files, and technical specifications, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

+ Select, inspect, and install appropriate dies and punches based on material type, thickness, and bend radius. Perform routine tooling maintenance and report necessary replacements.

+ Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and digital protractors to ensure dimensional accuracy.

+ Set up, program, and operate a CNC waterjet cutting system (Flow) to cut various materials, including steel, aluminum, composites, and plastics.

+ Optimize material layouts (nesting) to minimize scrap and maximize plate usage while adhering to cutting schedules.

+ Adjust cutting parameters, including pump pressure, traverse speed, and abrasive flow rate, based on material properties and desired edge finish.

+ Safely load and unload large, heavy sheets and plates of material onto the cutting bed.

+ Perform routine preventative maintenance on the waterjet system, including checking pump oil, inspecting and replacing nozzles and mixing tubes, and managing abrasive garnet supply.

Essential Skills

+ 3+ years experience setting up and operating CNC Press Brakes.

+ Ability to read and understand blueprints and work orders.

+ Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers.

+ Familiarity with CNC programming, G&M codes, and blueprint reading.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience with fabrication, CNC machining, and machine operation.

+ Knowledge in tooling, CNC setup, and changeovers.

+ Understanding of axis mill, axis lathe, and the use of tape measures, punch press, and laser tools.

Why Work Here?

Join a close-knit culture where having fun and providing top-quality pieces go hand in hand. Engage in varied project types, from custom one-off pieces to large production runs, offering a diverse and exciting work experience. Benefit from continued training and education opportunities, with potential for advancement into lead roles as the company grows. Enjoy comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance with company match, paid vacation and holidays, and tuition reimbursement.

Work Environment

The work schedule is a 1st shift from 5:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, with an option to adjust the start time to 6:00 am to 4:30 pm if needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, Iowa.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job

classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be

subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2025.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.