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Cold Forging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal, checking products for correct shapes, dimensions, and specifications. Operate the press brake to bend ...

Experience in steel forging, heavy manufacturing, or hot metal environments (preferred but willing to train) * Ability to work in extreme heat and cold conditions and perform physically demanding ...

Press Brake Operator -1st Shift

Fremont, CA

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Operates presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal; Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications Operate the press brake to ...

Production Operator-Forging

Hudson, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Your role The Forging Operator will be a hands-on position responsible for high quality ... Tasks include set-up and running a 6-station cold heading machine and ensure all settings are ...

$17.25 - $21/hr

Your role The Forging Operator will be a hands-on position responsible for high quality ... Tasks include set-up and running a 6-station cold heading machine and ensure all settings are ...

Construct, alter, and repair progressive, blanking and forming dies, cold forging dies, fixtures, and gauges. * Visualize finished job, make necessary adjustments. * Recognize and report for ...

As a Cold Forming Operator, you'll be at the heart of our precision manufacturing process ... Ready to forge your future? Apply now and become a key player in a company where strength ...

Construct, alter, and repair progressive, blanking and forming dies, cold forging dies, fixtures, and gauges. * Visualize finished job, make necessary adjustments. * Recognize and report for ...

Cold Forming Operator

Peru, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22.10/hr

As a Cold Forming Operator, you'll be at the heart of our precision manufacturing process ... Ready to forge your future? Apply now and become a key player in a company where strength ...

Showing results 21-40

Cold Forging information

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$9

$17

$23

How much do cold forging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cold forging in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cold forging?

Cold forging is a manufacturing process in which metal is shaped at or near room temperature using high pressure. Unlike hot forging, which requires heating the metal, cold forging improves the strength and surface finish of the material without significant heat. This process is widely used for producing fasteners, bolts, and other components, as it allows for high-speed production and material savings. Cold forging also results in improved dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of the finished products.

What are some common challenges faced by cold forging operators, and how can they be addressed?

Cold forging operators often encounter challenges such as managing tool wear, maintaining precise tolerances, and ensuring consistent material flow. These issues can be addressed by performing regular maintenance checks on machinery, using high-quality lubricants, and closely monitoring the production process for any deviations. Collaboration with quality control and engineering teams is also crucial to quickly resolve technical problems and optimize production efficiency. Staying current with training and new industry techniques further helps operators adapt to evolving manufacturing demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cold forging technician?

To thrive as a Cold Forging Technician, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, metalworking techniques, and typically a vocational or technical certification in manufacturing or machining. Familiarity with forging presses, die-setting, CNC machinery, and quality inspection tools is crucial in this role. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for ensuring operational efficiency and workplace safety. These skills and qualities are vital to consistently produce high-quality parts, maintain equipment, and contribute to a safe, productive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Cold Forging vs Machinist?

AspectCold ForgingMachinist
Primary RoleShaping metal parts through compressive force at room temperatureManufacturing parts by operating machine tools to cut, shape, or finish metal
Required SkillsMaterial handling, die setup, force applicationBlueprint reading, machine operation, precision measurement
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production linesMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
CertificationsNone specific, technical training often preferredMachinist certifications, technical diplomas

Cold Forging and Machinist roles both operate within manufacturing but focus on different processes. Cold Forging involves shaping metal parts through force without removing material, while Machinists cut and finish parts using machine tools. Both require technical skills, but Cold Forging emphasizes die setup and material handling, whereas Machinists focus on precision machining and blueprint reading.

More about Cold Forging jobs
Infographic showing various Cold Forging job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,529 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Sanmina

Fremont, CA

$28 - $37/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Sanmina rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

The Sanmina Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant. Located in California's Silicon Valley, this facility produces low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume. The Fremont facility offers everything from small piece parts to fully integrated and tested systems.

In addition, this location offers in-house painting capabilities and flexible logistics solutions in distribution, inventory management and hubbing, as well as repair services. Job Purpose: The Press Brake Operator is a skilled technician responsible for setting up and operating press brake machines to bend, form, and shape metal sheets and plates according to engineering specifications and blueprints. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong focus on safety, proficiency in reading technical drawings, and the use of precision measurement tools to ensure the highest quality of fabricated components.

Nature of Duties/Responsibilities: Review drawings for special instructions, such as sequencing and forming details, prior to starting the job. Inspect work received from the previous operation and inspect again before moving completed work to the next stage. Utilize set-up sheets to configure the mechanical brake with the appropriate tooling.

Use the mechanical brake to bend punched or laser-cut parts according to customer specifications. Coordinate the brake workload between shifts. Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal, checking products for correct shapes, dimensions, and specifications.

Operate the press brake to bend, form, and shape metal components into various configurations, ensuring efficient cycle times and adherence to production schedules. Safely load and unload raw sheet metal and plate materials onto the press brake, positioning them accurately for the bending process. Prepare and set up manual press brake machinery for production runs by selecting, installing, and aligning the appropriate tooling (punches and dies) based on material type and thickness.

Maintenance and Safety: Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and machine guarding. Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on the press brake and tooling, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal machine performance and longevity. Troubleshooting: Identify machine malfunctions, tooling issues, or material inconsistencies and communicate them promptly to the supervisor or maintenance team.

Quality Assurance and Technical Interpretation: Blueprint Reading: Accurately read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders to determine bend allowances, sequences, and product specifications. Quality Control: Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, protractors, squares, and gauges) to verify parts meet tight geometric tolerances and dimensions. Adjustment: Identify and troubleshoot forming issues (e.g., springback, cracking) and make necessary fine adjustments to machine settings or tooling to correct deviations

Education and Experience Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent. 5+ years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment. Experience with Amada, Bystronic, and Trumpf brake machines.

Expertise in using precision measurement tools (calipers, squares, height gauges, and protractors). Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and geometric tolerances. Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety.

Ability to stand for up to 8 hours, safely lift 50 pounds, and work overtime. This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Salary Range (annual): $58,240 - $76,960 ($28.00 -$37.00) per hour


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