Press Brake Operator in Otay Mesa / South San Diego, California at AP Precision Metals Inc

AP Precision Metals, Inc. is San Diego's leading commercial sheet and plate metal fabricator. We are a valuable and long-term supplier to some of San Diego's biggest OEMs, providing a wide range of sheet metal components, weldments, and other metal assemblies. Our entire operation is located at our 40,000 sq. ft. factory located 10 minutes north of the Tijuana/San Diego border and a 5 minute walk from the Iris Trolley station. The company was founded in 1999 by Lane Litke and Victor Miller, and thanks to reliable and honest leadership and the hard work of our entire team, AP Precision has grown an average of 20% per year for the last 25 years. Over the last two decades, we have invested millions of dollars in cutting-edge manufacturing machines and made equally significant investments in employee training and advancement. Many of our employees have been with us for 5, 10, and even 15 years. A generous IRA program, healthcare, shift differentials for 2nd shift, and a focus on regular training have allowed us to take many employees from unskilled labor to high-paid technicians. We take pride in the customers we serve and just as much pride in the health and success of our team and their families.

The following pages contain job descriptions for key positions at AP Precision Metals. Each description includes purpose, responsibilities, qualifications, and pay ranges. General requirements across all positions include:

- Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment

- Strong commitment to quality and ISO9001 compliance

- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25-50 pounds as needed

- Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork

- Adherence to company policies, safety standards, and 5S/housekeeping practices

Work Environment

- Full-time, in-person role at our South San Diego (Otay Mesa) manufacturing facility.

- Collaborative production environment with daily interaction between fabrication, welding, assembly, and engineering teams.

Benefits

-Competitive compensation package

-Health, dental, and vision insurance

-IRA retirement plan

-Paid time off and company holidays

-Stable long-term employment with a growing manufacturing company

Job Description – Press Brake Operator

Job Title: Press Brake Operator

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Pay Rate: $20-$28 per hour

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Purpose

The Press Brake Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining press brake machines to bend and form sheet metal components in accordance with blueprints, work orders, and company quality standards. This position ensures all parts are produced to tolerance while following ISO9001 requirements, production schedules, and safety standards.

Primary Duties

• Set up and operate press brake equipment to produce small and medium-sized parts per work instructions and technical drawings.
• Independently cycle parts, ensuring accuracy and repeatability. (Nearly all AP Precision parts can be cycled by a single operator.)
• Select and install appropriate tooling, back gauges, and machine settings to achieve required bends.
• Verify part quality by measuring dimensions and angles against prints and tolerances.
• Record production and inspection data in compliance with ISO9001 requirements.
• Perform routine equipment checks and basic maintenance to ensure machine readiness.
• Follow safety procedures, PPE requirements, and 5S/housekeeping standards.

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Additional Duties (as required)

• Operate other light sheet metal fabrication machinery.
• Assist in other fabrication operations (e.g., punching, shearing, or laser support).
• Participate in cross-training initiatives and continuous improvement programs.

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Qualifications

• Experience operating press brake machines in a metal fabrication environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, bend drawings, and work orders.
• Knowledge of sheet metal forming processes and tolerances.
• Familiarity with precision measuring tools (calipers, protractors, gauges).
• Strong attention to detail and quality requirements.
• Ability to work safely and independently in a production environment.
• Forklift experience desirable.
• ISO9001 experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing inspections.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, and sheet metal handling.