Job Information
Aerotek Press Brake Operator in Hawley, Minnesota
Job Title: Press Brake Operator
Job Description
This role focuses on operating press brake and laser equipment to produce high-quality metal parts in a precision fabrication environment. You will perform basic machine setups, handle material loading and unloading, and use blueprints and job paperwork to meet exact specifications while maintaining strong attention to quality, safety, and accurate production reporting.
Responsibilities
Operate press brake and laser machines to produce metal parts according to specifications.
Perform basic setups and changeovers between different production parts as required.
Load and unload bar stock and finished parts safely and efficiently.
Work from blueprints and job traveling paperwork to ensure parts meet all dimensional and quality requirements.
Enter job numbers, scrap quantities, and production counts into a computerized inventory system accurately and in a timely manner.
Cross-train and support operations on laser and plasma equipment as needed.
Use measuring tools, including tape measures, to verify part dimensions and maintain quality standards.
Collaborate with a small team of operators and fabricators to meet production goals and deadlines.
Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area in a metal fabrication environment.
Monitor equipment during operation and communicate any issues or irregularities to the appropriate personnel.
Essential Skills
At least 6 months of experience operating a press brake or laser machine in a metal fabrication environment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
High attention to quality and safety details in all tasks.
Basic computer literacy to enter data into a computerized inventory system.
Ability to consistently lift 25 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Proficiency using tape measures and other basic measuring tools.
Experience working with metal fabrication processes such as press brake operation, laser cutting, and sheet metal handling.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience with both press brake and laser equipment is a plus.
Experience with additional metal fabrication equipment such as shears and other sheet metal tools is beneficial.
Demonstrated ability to perform setups on a variety of machines can support higher pay progression.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to work effectively within a small production team.
Why Work Here?
You will join a metal fabrication shop that offers a small-town, family-style atmosphere where people genuinely enjoy working together. The leadership team promotes a supportive, respectful culture that differs from a typical metal shop environment. You can expect to work with good people who value collaboration, reliability, and continuous learning. As you expand your skills across different machines and setups, you will have the opportunity to grow and increase your earning potential in a stable, hands-on production setting.
Work Environment
This position is based in a metal fabrication shop with a close-knit team structure, where you will typically work alongside 2–3 other people. The environment involves operating press brakes, lasers, and other sheet metal equipment while handling bar stock and fabricated parts. The shop maintains a family feel, with coworkers who support one another and communicate openly. Steel-toed boots are required as part of the safety-focused dress code. The standard schedule runs from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with additional work on Fridays as needed.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hawley, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Hawley,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.