**Job Title: Press Brake Operator** **Job Overview** We are seeking a skilled **Press Brake Operator** to join our fabrication team. In this role, you will safely and accurately set up, operate, and maintain press brake equipment to bend, form, and fabricate metal components according to engineering drawings and production specifications. This position is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. **Key Responsibilities** + Operate press brake machines to bend and form sheet metal and plate materials to exact specifications. + Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders. + Set up tooling, fixtures, back gauges, and machine parameters for each job. + Perform routine quality checks using calipers, protractors, tape measures, and other precision measurement tools. + Maintain a clean and safe work area and follow all safety protocols. **Essential Skills & Experience** + Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings. + Hands-on experience operating press brakes; familiarity with shear and punch press machines is a plus. + Strong mechanical aptitude and close attention to detail. + Ability to operate equipment efficiently while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced environment. **Additional Qualifications** + Previous experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. + Understanding of machine setup, troubleshooting, and basic maintenance procedures. **Why Join Us?** You’ll be part of a small but highly skilled manufacturing team with strong benefits—an exceptional offering for a small, specialized fabrication environment. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for stability, hands-on work, and a supportive workplace. **Work Environment** This role is based in a small fabrication shop where you’ll typically work closely with one other team member in your section. The environment is hands-on, collaborative, and safety-focused. **Job Type & Location** This is a Contract position based out of Ashland, VA. **Pay and Benefits** The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/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 Ashland,VA. **Application Deadline** This position is anticipated to close on Feb 27, 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.