CNC Press Brake Operator

Artifact Fabrication LLC
Rochester, NY
Full-Time | Monday–Thursday | 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM (4-Day Work Week)

Starting at $25 / hour. Health, Vision, and Dental insurance available, paid time-off.

About Artifact Fabrication

Artifact Fabrication is a fast-growing precision metal fabrication company where skilled people can make a visible impact. We offer the close-knit environment of a small team combined with the technology, organization, and ambition of a much larger operation. As we continue to grow, we're relocating to a completely renovated, modern manufacturing facility featuring a fully air-conditioned shop, enhanced employee amenities, and a work environment designed for comfort, safety, and efficiency. If you're looking for a place where you can take pride in your work, develop your skills, and grow your career alongside a rapidly expanding company, we'd love to meet you.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced CNC Press Brake Operator to join our precision manufacturing team. This position is centered around high-mix, low-volume sheet metal fabrication where setup quality, precision, and efficiency are critical. You'll operate a state-of-the-art Mitsubishi Diamond all-electric 6' CNC press brake, producing precision prototype and low-volume production components with multiple setups throughout the day. Our manufacturing environment is 100% paperless, with digital work instructions, engineering drawings, CAD models, and process information available directly at your workstation. In addition to operating the press brake, you'll work closely with engineering and other manufacturing departments to improve processes, solve production challenges, and support secondary operations when needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a Mitsubishi Diamond all-electric CNC press brake
• Produce precision bent sheet metal components to engineering specifications
• Perform multiple machine setups throughout the day for prototype and short-run production
• Verify part dimensions using calipers, angle finders, and other precision measuring equipment
• Perform self-certifying in-process and final quality inspections to ensure parts meet all dimensional and cosmetic requirements before moving to the next operation
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and bend information
• Understand and verify bend sequences, tooling selection, and setup accuracy
• Optimize machine setups and workflows to improve productivity and reduce setup time
• Collaborate with engineering and other manufacturing departments to solve fabrication challenges
• Perform routine machine inspections and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Assist with deburring, hardware insertion (PEM), and other secondary operations as production demands require
• Follow all company safety procedures and press brake safety practices

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of CNC press brake operating experience
• Experience performing complete machine setups in a production environment
• Experience programming CNC press brakes and creating tooling setups
• Strong understanding of common press brake tooling profiles and applications
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions
• Excellent understanding of bend allowances, precision measurement, and angle verification
• Proficiency using calipers, angle finders, and other precision measuring equipment
• Ability to independently inspect and verify your own work to ensure it meets print specifications and company quality standards
• Strong understanding of press brake safety and safe operating practices
• Comfortable working in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to navigate digital manufacturing systems
• Basic math skills required for manufacturing and inspection tasks
• Ability to stand for the majority or entirety of the work shift
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and workmanship

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating modern, offline-programmable CNC press brakes
• Experience using CAD software to view and interpret part models
• Experience operating a PEM hardware insertion press
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

What Success Looks Like

• Produces accurate, repeatable bends that meet print requirements
• Completes efficient machine setups while maintaining quality
• Continuously improves processes and setup methods to maximize machine output
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Consistently performs self-verification of quality before releasing work to the next operation
• Communicates effectively with engineering and production teams to resolve issues quickly
• Takes pride in producing precision work with minimal scrap or rework

Skills Assessment

Qualified candidates should expect to demonstrate:

• CNC press brake setup and operation
• Tool selection and setup strategy
• Blueprint interpretation
• Precision measurement using calipers and angle finders
• Programming knowledge and bend sequencing
• Safe machine operation
• General problem-solving and fabrication knowledge