Press Brake Forming Engineer/ManagerDallas, Texas Direct Hire $80,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on experience Work Schedule: Day shift, approximately 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)We are seeking an experienced Press Brake Forming Engineer/Manager to lead a busy sheet metal forming department. This hands-on leadership role will oversee production, program CNC press brakes, improve forming methods, troubleshoot technical issues, and mentor approximately 12 employees.
The department operates four machines across three shifts. This individual will work during the day shift while establishing processes and providing technical direction that support the entire forming operation. The selected candidate will be expected to improve efficiency, eliminate production bottlenecks, increase machine throughput, and develop a clear plan for the department's continued growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead daily forming operations, including production priorities, workflow, staffing, scheduling, and machine utilization.
- Develop, modify, and optimize CNC press-brake programs, primarily for AMADA equipment.
- Review drawings, flat patterns, CAD models, and specifications to determine bend sequences, tooling, setup requirements, and forming calculations.
- Resolve dimensional issues involving machine setup, programming, tooling, bend deductions, springback, and material characteristics.
- Coach setup personnel and operators on adjustments required to consistently produce accurate components.
- Create and execute an improvement plan for the forming department.
- Increase production capacity by reducing setup time, scrap, rework, material waste, and equipment delays.
- Investigate the root causes of forming defects and implement lasting corrective actions.
- Train and mentor team members in press-brake setup, programming, blueprint interpretation, inspection procedures, and safe equipment operation.
- Standardize production processes and quality expectations across all three shifts.
- Confirm that completed parts meet dimensional, tolerance, and quality requirements.
- Collaborate with engineering, cutting, welding, assembly, and quality teams on complex fabricated products.
- Promote a safe, organized, accountable, and continuous-improvement-focused workplace.
Qualifications:
- Five or more years of experience with sheet metal fabrication, CNC press-brake forming, or a closely related manufacturing process.
- Current hands-on experience programming, setting up, troubleshooting, or leading CNC press-brake operations.
- Expert-level knowledge of AMADA press brakes and associated programming tools is required.
- Previous experience as a manager, supervisor, department lead, senior engineer, or technical lead.
- Strong understanding of bend allowances, bend deductions, springback, grain direction, flat-pattern development, tooling selection, and forming sequences.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, specifications, and three-dimensional models.
- Experience with CAD/CAM platforms such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Radan, or similar manufacturing software.
- Ability to identify dimensional problems and guide operators through proper machine adjustments.
- Familiarity with precision inspection tools, including calipers, protractors, height gauges, and related measuring equipment.
- Demonstrated success improving productivity, machine utilization, quality, and department performance.
- Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Self-directed approach with the ability to establish and execute a departmental vision.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality system is preferred.
- No college degree is required.
Additional Details:
- This is a fully onsite position in Grand Prairie, Texas.
- The forming department operates four machines across three shifts.
- Department shifts are 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
- This position will directly mentor and support approximately 12 employees.
- Candidates may complete a practical or technical evaluation covering basic press-brake theory, programming, forming calculations, tooling, and troubleshooting.
- The organization is seeking someone currently working directly with CNC press brakes who can make an immediate impact.
