Our Story
Established in 1974, Southern Metalcraft is a custom sheet metal fabricating firm located in Social Circle, Georgia. From the beginning we have been constantly striving to provide the most advanced processing capabilities to our customers. With all manufacturing services in-house, we are able to handle any project, from the simple part to the complex assembly. From order taking through delivery, our first priority is to meet our customers’ needs.
The most important and valued asset of SMI is our employees. Good equipment is only as good as those who operate it, and we take pride in finding, training, and keeping personnel that produce top quality products. We have accomplished this by promoting a positive work environment that allows our employees to grow and become skilled at multiple tasks and work centers.
Job Title: Press Brake Operator
What we are looking for:
We are looking for a Press Brake Operator to join us in our new Social Circle facility. This person will be working alongside other operators forming custom metal parts for our customers. They will interact with the engineering, fabrication, welding and QC teams to produce top quality products for our customers.
Since this position is key to our success, we are looking for someone that is motivated, positive and excited about making an impact and helping us all succeed.
2nd Shift hours are 4:30pm - 3:00am M-Th, and Friday 12:00noon - 8:00 pm as an OT day. Occasional Saturdays are needed based on workload, but that is not the norm.
Primary Duties:
· Set up and operate press brake to form parts
· Adjust machine and tooling as needed to obtain the desired forming dimensions
· Setup tooling in machines as needed.
· Follow blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications to ensure part accuracy.
· Inspect completed parts for accuracy and quality.
· Identify and rework parts that do not meet quality standards, ensuring all work meets company and industry standards.
· Record work completed and communicate any issues encountered during forming
· Aid other press brake operators with forming large/heavy parts
· Operate press brake that is already setup to form large runs of parts
· Deliver final parts to QC for inspection or welding for incorporation into an assembly
· Conduct routine maintenance and checks to help maintain press brake machines performance.
· Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. Use protective gear and maintain a clean, organized workspace.
· Conduct cleanup of work area at the end of each day
· Collaborate with team members and team lead to meet production goals and deadlines
· Willingness to cross-train and perform other tasks in addition to the primary assigned position when needed.
Must be able to lift 40 lbs consistenty, stand for entire shift and be able to bend, squat, twist and move
Preferred Qualifications:
● Ability to stand for entire shift, bend, squat, twist, and move freely.
● Ability to lift, flip, and maneuver up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
● Ability to lift, flip, and maneuver up to 75 lbs with assistance.
● Must be able to perform assigned job duties throughout the entirety of the scheduled shift.
● Must be able to safely push, pull, and reach overhead as required to perform essential job functions.
● Must be able to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination to safely complete the essential functions of the position.
● Read a tape measure to 1/32", and work with a protractor, angle gauge, and calipers.
● Ability to work with minimal supervision.
● Mechanical aptitude to change tooling, read/set machine parameters, and identify equipment faults.
● Ability to read and interpret shop travelers and bend drawings detailing angle, dimension, and bend sequence.
● Attention to detail and commitment to first-pass quality — able to identify a non-conforming part before passing to the next operation.
● Ability to follow written SOPs and verbal instructions precisely and consistently.
● Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and verifying part quantities against travelers.
Ideal Qualifications:
● Prior experience operating a CNC or manual press brake.
● Experience with automatic tool-change (ATC) equipped machines.
● Familiarity with offline bend programming or simulation software.
● Demonstrated experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing environment.
● Forklift or overhead crane certification.
● Familiarity with ERP or shop traveler-based production tracking.
● OSHA 10 certification or equivalent safety training.
2+ years of press brake experience
Experience working in custom parts shop
Has previously worked with Amada press brakes in the past
· Proven ability to communicate with engineers and sales
· Experience leading a team
To be a great fit for this role:
· Enjoys a fast-paced environment with different challenges daily
· Positive and motivated attitude
· Desire to make a difference and grow personally and professionally
· Self-starter
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 – 50.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
