Job Summary Required Qualifications and Skills
We are seeking a detail-oriented Brake Press Operator for a direct hire opportunity in Santa Ana, CA within the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry. This role is ideal for a machine operator with 1 to 2 years of experience who is comfortable reading blueprints, using precision measuring tools, setting up press brake machinery, and producing high-quality formed metal components.
The Brake Press Operator will work in a production-focused environment where accuracy, safety, teamwork, and mechanical aptitude are essential. This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants long-term stability, hands-on manufacturing work, and the chance to grow within a supportive team that values quality workmanship, clear communication, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate brake press machinery to form metal components according to job specifications, blueprints, and traveler requirements.
- Select, position, and align dies in the machine ram and bed, then adjust pressure and clearance based on material thickness and specifications.
- Verify workpiece dimensions using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and measuring tape to maintain quality standards.
- Position materials manually or with crane assistance, align layout marks to dies, and load or unload material as needed.
- Identify and report defective material, unusual conditions, or equipment issues to the supervisor.
- Maintain accurate job documentation and keep the work area, storage area, machine, and related equipment clean and orderly.
Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Range: $23.00 to $32.00 per hour.
- Job Type: Direct hire.
- Location: Santa Ana, CA.
- Set up and operate brake press equipment for precision metal forming.
- Read blueprints, interpret drawings, and verify dimensions against production requirements.
- Use inspection tools to confirm part quality and troubleshoot production issues.
- Update travelers and follow written work instructions and quality procedures.
- 1 to 2 years of machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment, or similar relevant experience.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Ability to read blueprints and interpret drawings accurately.
- Experience using calipers, micrometers, measuring tape, and other measuring instruments.
- Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using different units of measurement.
- Understanding of production and manufacturing processes.
- Detail-oriented approach with strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs, push up to 60 lbs as needed, carry up to 20 lbs for short distances, and stand for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, kneel, squat, load and unload materials, and handle tooling as needed.
- Willingness to work shifts, early or late hours, weekends, and overtime if necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other precision manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar drawing interpretation tools.
- Experience working with travelers, quality documentation, and formal manufacturing procedures.
- Crane operation or material handling experience in a production setting.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
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For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
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We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.