JIREH METAL PRODUCTS
Job Description: Lead Press Brake Operator
Location: Grandville, MI
Reports To: Production Manager
Interfaces With: Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance
Role Purpose
- Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team.
- Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake equipment to manufacture parts that meet customer specifications and Jireh Metal Products’ quality standards.
- Create and maintain job documentation, machine programs, tooling requirements, and standardized setup instructions.
- Develop press brake processes and team capabilities to support safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and future growth.
Core Accountabilities
Leadership and Team Development
- Provide daily work direction, technical support, and coaching to Press Brake Operators and assigned team members.
- Coordinate work priorities based on production schedules, staffing, equipment, tooling, and material availability.
- Train and cross-train team members on machine operation, programming, setups, blueprint reading, inspection, safety, and quality requirements.
- Evaluate operator capabilities, identify training needs, and develop backup coverage for critical jobs and equipment.
- Communicate production status, delays, quality concerns, employee issues, and resource needs to the Production Manager.
Press Brake Operations
- Set up, program, and operate CNC press brake equipment in accordance with work instructions and production schedules.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders, bend requirements, and manufacturing specifications.
- Select, install, and verify the proper tooling, punches, and dies for each production run.
- Perform complex setups and assist operators with new jobs, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.
- Perform first-piece and in-process inspections and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
Job Documentation and Setup Development
- Create and maintain machine programs, tooling requirements, setup instructions, inspection requirements, and job documentation.
- Develop clear and repeatable setup procedures that allow trained operators to produce conforming parts consistently.
- Maintain organized machine programs and ensure the correct program and document revisions are used.
- Assist in updating documentation based on engineering changes, tooling changes, production issues, and lessons learned.
Quality
- Inspect parts using calipers, angle gauges, tape measures, fixtures, and other measuring devices as required.
- Ensure team members understand print requirements, critical dimensions, and inspection expectations.
- Identify and report quality concerns, tooling issues, equipment problems, material defects, and process variation.
- Stop production when requirements are not met and support containment, corrective action, and continuous improvement activities.
Equipment and Tooling
- Perform routine equipment inspections and ensure required maintenance activities are completed.
- Maintain tooling in good working condition and report damaged or worn tooling.
- Assist with troubleshooting machine, programming, setup, and tooling issues.
- Maintain organized machines, tooling, and work areas.
Safety and Workplace Organization
- Lead by example in following company safety policies and safe operating procedures.
- Ensure team members use required machine safeguards, material handling practices, and personal protective equipment.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas using 5S principles.
- Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment, or work practices.
Systems and Documentation
- Accurately complete and review production reporting and required documentation.
- Utilize company systems including Plex, Job Web, machine programming systems, and other manufacturing software as required.
- Ensure production quantities, labor, scrap, downtime, setup time, and quality information are recorded accurately.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead improvements focused on safety, quality, setup reduction, productivity, tooling organization, and error prevention.
- Support new product launches, process development, and production readiness activities.
- Work with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Material Handling to improve press brake performance.
- Perform other duties necessary to support customer, operational, and business requirements.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Demonstrated experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC press brake equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
- Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
- Ability to provide work direction, training, and technical support to team members.
- Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five or more years of CNC press brake experience.
- Previous lead, supervisory, or team training experience.
- Experience developing machine programs, setup documentation, and standardized work instructions.
- Experience in a metal fabrication manufacturing environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong commitment to safety and quality.
- Strong knowledge of CNC press brake programming, tooling, setups, and forming methods.
- Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and coordinate a small team.
- Ability to create clear and repeatable job documentation.
- Dependable attendance and work habits.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching.
- Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
- Continuous visual attention while operating machinery and inspecting parts.
- Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing environment with moving machinery and equipment.
- Exposure to noise, dust, oils, grease, sharp metal edges, and varying temperatures.
- Exposure to manufacturing hazards requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
- Safety glasses required.
- Hearing protection required.
- Additional PPE as required by task or work area.
Key Performance Indicators
- Safety performance.
- Team leadership, training, and development.
- Quality performance and first-pass yield.
- Productivity and schedule attainment.
- Setup efficiency and machine utilization.
- Accuracy and completeness of job documentation.
- Reduction of scrap, rework, downtime, and recurring issues.
- Housekeeping and 5S compliance.
- Adherence to work instructions and operating procedures.
You should be proficient in:
- GD&T
- CNC Tooling
- CNC Programming
- CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
- Packaging Experience
- Machine Geometry & Alignment
- Precision Measurement & Inspection
- Meets Physical Requirements
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
- Blueprint Reading
Machines & technologies you'll use:
- 2D Drawings (Solidworks)
- Press Brake
- CAD Software (Solidworks, AutoCAD)
- ERP Software (Plex)
- Measurement Gauges
- Calipers and Micrometers