CNC Press Brake Operator

Summary:

Manages, maintains, and issues cutting and forming tooling for the sheet metal fabrication department's CNC laser, punch/laser combination, and press brake equipment. Responsible for tool crib organization, tool inspection and sharpening coordination, tooling procurement support, and ensuring operators and programmers have the correct, serviceable tooling for each job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the tool crib for laser cutting consumables (nozzles, lenses, ceramics), punch tooling, and press brake punches/dies, including organized storage, labeling, and inventory tracking.
• Inspect incoming and in-use tooling for wear, damage, and dimensional accuracy; remove worn or damaged tooling from service and coordinate repair, regrinding/sharpening, or replacement.
• Coordinate with outside tooling vendors (e.g., Wilson Tool, Amada) and Purchasing on tooling quotes, purchase requisitions, lead times, and warranty/service issues.
• Stage and deliver correct tooling to laser, punch/laser combination, and press brake operators based on the production schedule and released programs; retrieve and return tooling after job completion.
• Support the Sheet Metal Programmer in selecting appropriate tooling during program development and validating tooling data in the CAM/nesting software's tooling library.
• Perform routine tooling maintenance (cleaning, light sharpening, lubrication) and coordinate off-site sharpening/regrinding services on a defined schedule.
• Maintain accurate tooling inventory, usage, and cost records; recommend spare/replacement tooling purchases to avoid production downtime.
• Support new equipment and tooling qualification for newly installed Amada machines, including first-article tooling setup and validation.
• Maintain a safe, organized tool crib and work area consistent with 5S standards.
• Follow all lockout/tagout and material handling safety requirements when installing, removing, or transporting tooling.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that reduce tooling changeover time and tooling-related scrap or downtime.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Prior experience with sheet metal fabrication tooling (press brake dies/punches, laser consumables, or punch tooling) preferred.

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to read blueprints, tooling specifications, and vendor documentation.

• Basic computer literacy for inventory tracking and ERP/MRP data entry.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work collaboratively with Programmers, Operators, Engineering, and outside tooling vendors.

Knowledge of:

• Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture of goods.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training in machining, tool and die, or manufacturing technology preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in a tool crib, tool and die, or CNC machine tooling support role preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• None required.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and understand English instructions, vendor documentation, and technical specifications.

Mathematical Skills:

• Must possess, as a minimum, basic Algebra; ability to read precision measurements (calipers, micrometers) to fractional and decimal precision.

Physical Requirements:

Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms; frequently required to lift and/or move tooling and materials up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in the tool crib and on the manufacturing floor near CNC laser, punch, and press brake equipment. Noise levels are moderate to high, and PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed footwear) is required.