Press Brake Operator
CV-LibraryRushden, North NorthamptonshirepermanentPosted: 17 June 2026
Apply NowThe Role – Press Brake Operator
We are seeking a skilled Press Brake Operator to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating brake press machinery and guillotine to produce precise metal components, ensuring high-quality standards are maintained throughout the production process. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a background in sheet metal work to home their skills within a dynamic environment with a wide range of material gauges but primarily 6mm to 10mm. The role consists of cross training with CNC laser operations.
Responsibilities
*
* Set up and operate brake press machines and guillotine in according to specifications and technical drawings
* Adjust tooling and machine parameters to achieve desired bend angles and dimensions
* Inspect finished parts for accuracy, quality, and adherence to specifications
* Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment to minimise downtime
* Use hand tools and measuring instruments such as calipers and gauges to verify dimensions
* Read and interpret engineering/technical drawings and work orders
* Assist with material handling, including loading sheet metal onto machines and stacking finished parts
* Maintain a clean and organised work area in compliance with safety standards
Essential Experience required for this role
*
* Prior brake press experience (non CNC).
* Use of Amada machines highly desirable
* Mechanical knowledge with the ability to understand engineering drawings
* A good level of english & mathematics for precise measurements
* Ability to work accurately under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
* Excellent organisational skills with a focus on safety and quality standards
* Strong teamwork ethic, with the ability to work unsupervised
Preferred but not essential
*
* Fork lift truck licence
* Running of laser CO2
Salary & Benefits
Up to £17.85/hour depending on skill/experience
Monday – Friday (40 hours per week)
Overtime available and paid at time and a half
Health & Wellbeing Programme
Cash Plan
Life Assurance
The Company – Wykes Engineering Ltd
Based in Rushden, Northants, we are a leading-edge engineering SME specialising in the manufacture of materials processing equipment and energy from food by-product power generation. As a highly innovative and progressive design and manufacturing company, we have our own in-house manufacturing facility as well as our own advanced anaerobic digestion plant and renewable energy power plant.
Founded over 40 years ago, our engineering innovation has always been a fundamental part of our business. This has helped us to establish ourselves as a major player in our key areas of expertise, namely:
* Design and manufacture of equipment for the food by-products and renewable technologies
* Processing bio-mass into energy
* Renewable energy production
We are seeking a skilled Press Brake Operator to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating brake press machinery and guillotine to produce precise metal components, ensuring high-quality standards are maintained throughout the production process. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a background in sheet metal work to home their skills within a dynamic environment with a wide range of material gauges but primarily 6mm to 10mm. The role consists of cross training with CNC laser operations.
Responsibilities
*
* Set up and operate brake press machines and guillotine in according to specifications and technical drawings
* Adjust tooling and machine parameters to achieve desired bend angles and dimensions
* Inspect finished parts for accuracy, quality, and adherence to specifications
* Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment to minimise downtime
* Use hand tools and measuring instruments such as calipers and gauges to verify dimensions
* Read and interpret engineering/technical drawings and work orders
* Assist with material handling, including loading sheet metal onto machines and stacking finished parts
* Maintain a clean and organised work area in compliance with safety standards
Essential Experience required for this role
*
* Prior brake press experience (non CNC).
* Use of Amada machines highly desirable
* Mechanical knowledge with the ability to understand engineering drawings
* A good level of english & mathematics for precise measurements
* Ability to work accurately under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
* Excellent organisational skills with a focus on safety and quality standards
* Strong teamwork ethic, with the ability to work unsupervised
Preferred but not essential
*
* Fork lift truck licence
* Running of laser CO2
Salary & Benefits
Up to £17.85/hour depending on skill/experience
Monday – Friday (40 hours per week)
Overtime available and paid at time and a half
Health & Wellbeing Programme
Cash Plan
Life Assurance
The Company – Wykes Engineering Ltd
Based in Rushden, Northants, we are a leading-edge engineering SME specialising in the manufacture of materials processing equipment and energy from food by-product power generation. As a highly innovative and progressive design and manufacturing company, we have our own in-house manufacturing facility as well as our own advanced anaerobic digestion plant and renewable energy power plant.
Founded over 40 years ago, our engineering innovation has always been a fundamental part of our business. This has helped us to establish ourselves as a major player in our key areas of expertise, namely:
* Design and manufacture of equipment for the food by-products and renewable technologies
* Processing bio-mass into energy
* Renewable energy production