Technical Lead, Brake Press

Company

With around 480 locations in over 40 countries, thyssenkrupp Materials Services is the biggest materials distributor and service provider in the western world. The broad service spectrum offered by the materials experts enables customers to focus on their individual core business. The area of Materials Services spans two strategic areas: global materials distribution as one-stop-shop - from steel and stainless steel, tubes and pipes, nonferrous metals and specialty materials to plastics and raw materials - and tailored services in the areas of materials management and supply chain management. An extensive omnichannel architecture offers 250,000 customers worldwide cross-channel, round-the-clock access to more than 150,000 products and services. A highly efficient logistics system ensures that all requested services are smoothly integrated into customer production processes "just-in-time" or "just-in-sequence".

Copper and Brass Division

Sales is a distributor and processor of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze and more quality materials serving markets across North America, including Canada and Mexico. By providing customers with what they want, when they need it, Copper and Brass Sales is able to help them succeed in today's challenging global business environment. The company's focus on the Aerospace, Automotive, Electrical, Medical and Oil & Gas Industries allows them to offer these market segments expertise specific to their needs. The daily commitment of its employees to provide premium service focused on the customer first has earned Copper and Brass Sales the position of a respected leader in the nonferrous metals industry for over 80 years.

Your responsibilities

The Technical Lead - Brake Press is responsible for the performance, reliability, and standardization of bending operations within the manufacturing environment. This role owns the technical execution of brake press processes, ensuring safe, repeatable setups and consistent first-pass quality.

Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance, the Technical Lead drives process stability, reduces variation, and improves throughput. The position serves as the primary technical resource on the production floor, supporting complex troubleshooting, advancing operator capability, and reinforcing disciplined execution aligned to safety, quality, delivery, and cost expectations.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Process Ownership & Technical Excellence

• Own brake press processes across assigned area, ensuring repeatable, stable, and capable bending operations
• Establish and maintain standard work for setups, tooling selection, and bend sequencing
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of air bending, bottom bending, and coining, and apply the appropriate method based on material, tolerance, and production requirements. Develop and validate flat pattern, bend deductions, and bend sequencing
• Optimize forming methods based on material type, thickness, and geometry to ensure quality and efficiency
• Troubleshoot complex forming issues including spring back, distortion, and tolerance stack-ups

Tooling & Setup Strategy

• Define and standardize tooling requirements (punches, dies, specialty tooling) aligned to product mix
• Reduce setup time through pre-staging, offline programming, and SMED principles
• Ensure tooling condition, maintenance, and proper storage to protect precision and longevity
• Support capital and tooling investment decisions with clear technical justification

Programming & Equipment Utilization

• Lead NC programming for brake presses (offline and/or at machine), ensuring accuracy and efficiency
• Validate programs through first-piece verification and continuous improvement of bend sequences
• Maximize machine utilization by aligning programs with production flow and minimizing downtime

Quality & Process Capability

• Ensure parts meet dimensional and cosmetic requirements on first pass
• Drive process capability (Cp/Cpk) through controlled setups and standardized methods
• Partner with Quality to resolve non-conformances using structured problem-solving (5 Why, 8D)
• Implement error-proofing and in-process inspection standards
• Support NPI/APQP activities related to forming processes
• Validate new parts, tooling, and processes prior to production release
• Ensure production readiness through documented setups, routing accuracy, and risk mitigation

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Act as the technical escalation point for operators and supervisors on the floor
• Train and coach brake press operators on setup, operation, safety, and quality standards
• Build bench strength through skill development and cross-training
• Reinforce disciplined execution and accountability to standards
• Partner with Engineering on design for manufacturability (DFM), especially bend feasibility and tolerancing
• Support Production in scheduling priorities and resolving constraints

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure safe operation of all brake press equipment (guarding, light curtains, safe work practices)
• Drive compliance with EH&S standards and proactively identify risk areas in forming operations
• Support and participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma / GED
• 5 years press brake machine operation experience. (Equipment brands include: Trumpf, Amada, Bystronic, Salvagnini, Cincinnati, Standard, Piranha, Wysong, Accurpress, Aliko
• Previous plant experience in the metals fabrication industry
• Must possess strong basic math skills
• Ability to read and understand blueprints
• Ability to use quality inspection tools
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs

Preferred Requirements

• Computer literate

Weekend Shift: 7-7:30pm Friday-Saturday-Sunday

Job Compensation

$27 - $35 per hour, shift premium $2.60/hr, plus overtime

Benefits Overview

We offer competitive company benefits to eligible positions, such as

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Voluntary Wellness Programs
• 401(k) or RRSP programs with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• And more!

Benefits may vary based on job, country, union role, and/or company segment. Please work with your recruiter or tk representative for applicable benefits information.

Equal opportunity employer, including people with disabilities and veterans.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. For those requiring assistance completing the application or the application process and request information relating to the need for accommodation, please contact