Technical Lead, Brake Press

thyssenkrupp Materials NA•Kennesaw, GA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Lead – Brake Press is responsible for the performance, reliability, and standardization of bending operations within the manufacturing environment. This role owns the technical execution of brake press processes, ensuring safe, repeatable setups and consistent first-pass quality. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance, the Technical Lead drives process stability, reduces variation, and improves throughput. The position serves as the primary technical resource on the production floor, supporting complex troubleshooting, advancing operator capability, and reinforcing disciplined execution aligned to safety, quality, delivery, and cost expectations.

Requirements

High school diploma / GED
5 years press brake machine operation experience. (Equipment brands include: Trumpf, Amada, Bystronic, Salvagnini, Cincinnati, Standard, Piranha, Wysong, Accurpress, Aliko
Previous plant experience in the metals fabrication industry
Must possess strong basic math skills
Ability to read and understand blueprints
Ability to use quality inspection tools
Ability to read, write and speak English
Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs

Nice To Haves

Computer literate

Responsibilities

Own brake press processes across assigned area, ensuring repeatable, stable, and capable bending operations
Establish and maintain standard work for setups, tooling selection, and bend sequencing
Demonstrate a clear understanding of air bending, bottom bending, and coining, and apply the appropriate method based on material, tolerance, and production requirements
Develop and validate flat pattern, bend deductions, and bend sequencing
Optimize forming methods based on material type, thickness, and geometry to ensure quality and efficiency
Troubleshoot complex forming issues including springback, distortion, and tolerance stack-ups
Define and standardize tooling requirements (punches, dies, specialty tooling) aligned to product mix
Reduce setup time through pre-staging, offline programming, and SMED principles
Ensure tooling condition, maintenance, and proper storage to protect precision and longevity
Support capital and tooling investment decisions with clear technical justification
Lead NC programming for brake presses (offline and/or at machine), ensuring accuracy and efficiency
Validate programs through first-piece verification and continuous improvement of bend sequences
Maximize machine utilization by aligning programs with production flow and minimizing downtime
Ensure parts meet dimensional and cosmetic requirements on first pass
Drive process capability (Cp/Cpk) through controlled setups and standardized methods
Partner with Quality to resolve non-conformances using structured problem-solving (5 Why, 8D)
Implement error-proofing and in-process inspection standards
Support NPI/APQP activities related to forming processes
Validate new parts, tooling, and processes prior to production release
Ensure production readiness through documented setups, routing accuracy, and risk mitigation
Act as the technical escalation point for operators and supervisors on the floor
Train and coach brake press operators on setup, operation, safety, and quality standards
Build bench strength through skill development and cross-training
Reinforce disciplined execution and accountability to standards
Partner with Engineering on design for manufacturability (DFM), especially bend feasibility and tolerancing
Support Production in scheduling priorities and resolving constraints
Ensure safe operation of all brake press equipment (guarding, light curtains, safe work practices)
Drive compliance with EH&S standards and proactively identify risk areas in forming operations
Support and participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions