Press Brake Lead

R&M Manufacturing • Buffalo, MN

3d

About The Position

The Press Brake Lead is a senior, hands-on role responsible for setting up and operating CNC press brakes and leading the day-to-day work of press brake operators on the shift. The role handles complex setups, resolves bending problems, trains operators, and helps keep production safe, on schedule, and aligned with specifications and prints.

The position is based in Buffalo, Minnesota, and is full-time on the first shift, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Pay is $26.75–$37.75 per hour, based on experience.

R&M Manufacturing, part of the Arise Industrial Manufacturing family, produces precision sheet metal components and supports customers from prototyping through production runs. Its stated values include prioritizing safety, investing in growth and training, acting with honesty, providing world-class service, and promoting teamwork.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of press brake setup and operation experience in a sheet metal fabrication environment, including CNC press brakes.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including geometric dimensions, tolerances, and flat pattern interpretation.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, protractors, radius gauges, and height gauges.
• Working knowledge of bend allowance, bend deduction, K-factor, and material behavior across steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Basic shop math, including fractions, decimals, and angle calculations.
• Ability to lead by example, communicate clearly, and give constructive direction to coworkers.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Prior lead, trainer, or senior operator experience.
• Experience with CNC press brake controls and offline bend programming.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily press brake operations, assigning work according to schedule priorities, machine availability, and operator skill level.
• Set up and operate CNC press brakes, including selecting, installing, and aligning punches and dies, programming or loading bend programs, and setting backgauges.
• Read and interpret blueprints, flat patterns, and work orders to determine bend sequence, tooling, and setup requirements for complex and first-run parts.
• Perform first-article and in-process dimensional checks using calipers, protractors, height gauges, and radius gauges; coordinate with Quality on nonconforming parts and inspection requirements.
• Troubleshoot bending issues, including springback, angle variation, flange length errors, and part interference, and adjust programs, tooling, or setups as needed.
• Train, coach, and support operators on setups, safe machine operation, tooling handling, and print reading.
• Serve as the first point of contact for operator questions and shift production issues, escalating to the Production Supervisor as needed.
• Coordinate with other departments to maintain workflow and communicate delays, material shortages, or capacity concerns.
• Enforce safety rules and lockout/tagout procedures; verify that light curtains, guards, and other safeguarding devices are in place and functioning before operation.
• Maintain tooling organization and condition, report damaged or worn tooling, and perform or coordinate routine machine maintenance with the Maintenance department.
• Track and report shift production, scrap, and downtime; recommend improvements to setups, tooling, and processes to reduce setup time and scrap.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Day-one company-provided telehealth services for employees and their families.
• Company-provided life and AD&D insurance and disability insurance.
• Multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Optional Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options, including critical care, hospital indemnity, and accident coverage.
• Traditional 401(k) and Roth retirement savings plans with employer contribution.
• Paid Time Off.
• Opportunities for career growth and development, including learning setups and programming and cross-training in other plant areas.
• Positive work culture and a safe work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed