Job Summary
We are seeking experienced Brake Press Operators for direct hire opportunities in Santa Ana, CA. This is an excellent opportunity to join a precision metal fabrication and contract manufacturing environment supporting parts, enclosures, cabinets, racks, and assemblies for industries such as power infrastructure, renewable energy, data centers, medical equipment, electronics, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial manufacturing.

The Brake Press Operator will set up and operate press brake equipment to produce accurate, high-quality formed metal parts according to blueprints, travelers, and production requirements. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing professional with recent brake press experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and a quality-focused mindset.

This is an on-site role in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment where skilled operators are valued. Candidates can expect a workplace focused on precision, safety, teamwork, and consistent production standards, with opportunities to use and strengthen core sheet metal fabrication skills.

Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate press brake machinery to form metal parts according to blueprints, specifications, and job travelers.
- Select, position, align, and secure dies, tooling, and workpieces for accurate forming operations.
- Verify workpiece dimensions using calipers, micrometers, measuring tape, and other inspection tools.
- Adjust machine settings, including ram pressure and die clearance, based on material thickness and job requirements.
- Identify and report defective material, equipment issues, unusual conditions, and quality concerns to supervision.
- Maintain accurate production documentation and keep the work area, machine, and related equipment clean and organized.

Compensation and Benefits
- Direct hire opportunity.
- Pay: $23.00 to $32.00 per hour, depending on experience.
- Location: On-site in Santa Ana, CA.
- 1st Shift: Monday to Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with overtime and Saturdays as needed.
- 2nd Shift: Monday to Friday, 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with overtime and Saturdays as needed.
- Openings available on both 1st and 2nd shift.
- Background check and drug screen are required after offer acceptance.

Required Qualifications and Skills
- Set up and operate press brake equipment in a sheet metal fabrication environment.
- Read blueprints, interpret drawings, and follow job travelers and written work instructions.
- Measure and inspect formed parts to confirm accuracy, quality, and conformance to specifications.
- Troubleshoot setup, tooling, material, and production issues to maintain quality and output.

- 3 to 5 years of relevant brake press or machine operating experience preferred.
- Recent hands-on brake press experience is required.
- Must meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Ability to read blueprints and interpret production drawings.
- Experience using calipers, micrometers, measuring tape, and other inspection tools.
- Strong math skills, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and working with different units of measurement.
- Understanding of production and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Detail-oriented, dependable, and quality-focused.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed, push up to 60 lbs as needed, and stand for extended periods.
- Willingness to work overtime, weekends, early hours, or late hours as needed.
- Must be able to complete an on-site skills test during the interview process to confirm brake press experience.

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in precision sheet metal fabrication or contract manufacturing.
- Familiarity with laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, hardware insertion, powder coating, paint, or final assembly environments.
- Experience working with inspection tools and drawing interpretation in a quality-driven production setting.
- Exposure to SolidWorks or similar drawing and design documentation is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf

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.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf

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.