Press Brake Lead

Job Title: Press Brake Lead

Location: Buffalo, MN

Job Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $26.75 - $37.75, Based on experience

Shift(s): 1st (5:00 AM - 3:30 PM); 4 Day work week, Monday - Thursday

About Us: R&M Manufacturing, part of the Arise Industrial Manufacturing family, was founded in 1968 to produce precision sheet metal components. With over 50 years providing excellence in sheet metal fabrication, R&M will assist with all sheet metal needs - from prototyping to production runs.

The R&M team's mission is to surpass the competition by delivering superior quality with integrity and fostering dynamic partnerships with customers. The core values emphasize safety as the top priority, investing in growth and training, operating with honesty, providing world-class service, and promoting teamwork for organizational improvement.

If you take pride in precision work and want to be part of a team that's been setting the standard in sheet metal fabrication for over 50 years, we want to hear from you.

Job Overview: The Press Brake Lead is a senior hands-on role responsible for setting up and operating CNC press brakes while leading the day-to-day work of press brake operators on the shift. This position sets the pace and standard for the department by handling complex setups, solving bending problems, training operators, and keeping production moving safely, on time, and to print.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily press brake operations within the department, assigning work to operators based on 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, and coordinate with the Quality department on nonconforming parts and inspection requirements.
• Troubleshoot bending issues such as springback, angle variation, flange length errors, and part interference, and make adjustments to programs, tooling, or setups.
• Train, coach, and support press brake operators on setups, safe machine operation, tooling handling, and print reading.
• Serve as the first point of contact for operator questions and production issues on the shift, escalating to the Production Supervisor as needed.
• Coordinate with other departments to keep work flowing 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.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of press brake setup and operation experience in a sheet metal fabrication environment, including CNC press brakes.
• Prior lead, trainer, or senior operator experience preferred.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including geometric dimensions, tolerances, and flat pattern interpretation.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, protractors, radius and height gauges).
• Working knowledge of bend allowance, bend deduction, K-factor, and material behavior across steel, stainless, and aluminum.
• Experience with CNC press brake controls and offline bend programming preferred.
• 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.

Why Work with Us?

• We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits package.
• We invest in our people, offering opportunities for career growth and development. This may include learning new skills such as setups and programming to cross training in other areas of the plant.
• We offer a positive work culture with a safe environment while producing quality work efficiently.

Benefits:

• Day 1 company-provided telehealth services to all employees and family
• Company-provided Life and AD&D Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Multiple options for Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Optional Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options (critical care, hospital indemnity, accident, etc.)
• Traditional 401(k) and Roth retirement savings plans with employer contribution
• Paid Time Off

How to Apply: If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you're a great fit for the role, please submit your application on this page. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming and encouraging applications from everyone. Our company participates in E-Verify to ensure a fair and inclusive employment process.