Press Brake Set-up

About the Role

Cadrex is seeking Press Brake Set Up Technicians for Level I, II, or III roles to perform machine setup, tooling changes, process adjustments, and production support for press brake operations. Candidates will be aligned to a specific level based on experience, technical capabilities, and demonstrated skill set.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, production schedules, and process documentation.
• Install, align, adjust, and change tooling to prepare machines for production.
• Use precision measuring tools including calipers, height gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections to verify product quality.
• Ensure materials and components are available and properly staged for production.
• Monitor product quality and maintain compliance with customer specifications.
• Report equipment malfunctions, material discrepancies, and documentation issues.
• Complete production records and required paperwork accurately and on time.
• Assist operators with machine operation, measuring techniques, and quality requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Maintain attendance, productivity, and quality standards.

Level I - Entry Level Responsibilities

• Perform basic machine setups following established procedures and work instructions.
• Load tooling and make simple setup adjustments under guidance.
• Learn press brake operations, tooling applications, and setup techniques.
• Operate press brake equipment as needed to support production requirements.
• Verify part dimensions using basic measuring equipment.
• Make minor machine adjustments and clear routine machine alarms.
• Understand material flow and movement of completed components through production.
• Assist experienced setup technicians with changeovers and troubleshooting activities.

Level II - Intermediate Responsibilities

• Independently set up assigned press brake machines for production runs.
• Analyze blueprints, schedules, and specifications to determine setup requirements.
• Troubleshoot setup, tooling, and production issues to minimize downtime.
• Optimize machine setups to improve efficiency and reduce scrap.
• Ensure machines are operator-ready with minimal adjustments required during production.
• Train operators on setup requirements, inspection methods, and quality standards.
• Perform detailed inspections using precision measuring tools.
• Support smooth transitions between scheduled production jobs.
• Recommend process improvements to increase productivity and quality.

Level III - Advanced Responsibilities

• Lead complex machine setups and troubleshoot advanced forming challenges.
• Analyze and resolve machine, process, tooling, and quality issues.
• Develop efficient setup methods and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a technical resource for operators, setup personnel, and leadership teams.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate setup technicians and operators.
• Assist with production planning and workflow coordination within the department.
• Support leadership responsibilities in the absence of a Lead or Supervisor.
• Drive quality and productivity improvements through advanced setup techniques and process optimization.
• Lead efforts to reduce scrap, improve efficiency, and maintain customer quality standards.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School diploma
• Press Brake Setup
• Machine Setup
• Tooling Changes
• Process Adjustments
• Production Support
• Blueprint Interpretation
• Work Order Interpretation
• Production Schedule Interpretation
• Process Documentation Interpretation
• Precision Measuring Tools
• Calipers
• Height Gauges
• Inspection Equipment
• First-Piece Inspections
• In-Process Inspections
• Material Staging
• Customer Specifications
• Equipment Malfunction Reporting
• Material Discrepancy Reporting
• Documentation Issue Reporting
• Production Records
• Paperwork Completion
• Continuous Improvement
• Safety Protocols
• Basic Math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Basic Computer Skills

Qualifications

Level I - Entry Level

• Previous manufacturing, machine operation, assembly, or metal fabrication experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, work instructions, and basic blueprints.
• Ability to use basic measuring tools and inspection equipment.
• Ability to perform basic math.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Level II - Intermediate

• 2+ years of press brake setup, machine setup, or related manufacturing experience.
• Ability to independently set up machines and processes to company specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience using calipers, height gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot machine and process issues with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of tooling selection, setup requirements, and forming processes.
• Ability to produce quality parts with minimal scrap and adjustments.
• Ability to train operators on inspection methods, machine operation, and quality requirements.

Level III - Advanced

• 5+ years of press brake setup experience in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of press brake operations, tooling, setup techniques, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex manufacturing and quality issues.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
• Ability to train, mentor, and develop operators and setup technicians.
• Strong understanding of blueprint interpretation and advanced inspection techniques.
• Experience leading production activities and supporting departmental workflow.
• Proven ability to set up machines with minimal scrap while maintaining productivity and quality standards.

Work Environment

• Frequent exposure to work near moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• Occasional exposure to risk of electrical shock.
• Noise level usually moderate and occasionally loud.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Location

• Onsite; Bloomingdale, IL

Schedule

• 2nd Shift
• Scheduled for 12-hour shifts Monday through Friday, plus a 5-hour shift on Saturday, for a total of approximately 65 hours per week.
• Mandatory overtime is required.
• Candidates must be willing and able to work this schedule.

Total Compensation Includes

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees