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Forge Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

alu

Hand Forge Saw Operator - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$19 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Saw Operator who will measure and cut slabs to customer specifications. Job Requirements: * Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work environment. * Strong commitment to ...

Forge Global

Director of Content

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This is a senior, hands-on role for a content visionary who is a gifted storyteller and thinks like an editor-in-chief, a strategist, and an operator. You'll define Forge's voice and editorial point ...

Forge Global

Director of Content

San Francisco, CA

$145K - $165K/yr

This is a senior, hands-on role for a content visionary who is a gifted storyteller and thinks like an editor-in-chief, a strategist, and an operator. You'll define Forge's voice and editorial point ...

alu

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$27 - $32/hr

Hand Forge * Instruct loader on use of the tong manipulator * Operate manipulator forklift ... Instruct operator of the manipulator forklift. * Operate the billet saw to cut raw material as ...

STS Metals

FORGE / HOT SHOP HELPER

Irwindale, CA

$18 - $21/hr

As a Forge Hot Shop Helper at Sierra Alloys , you'll support day-to-day manufacturing operations by ... You'll learn how manufacturing works from the ground up, build skills that can lead to operator or ...

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Forge Operator information

See California salary details

$15

$20

$38

How much do forge operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for forge operator in California is $20.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Forge Operators?

Forge Operators are skilled workers who operate and monitor forging machines used to shape metal parts under high pressure and temperature. They are responsible for setting up equipment, selecting the proper dies, heating metal, and ensuring that finished products meet quality specifications. Forge Operators must also follow safety protocols due to the demanding and potentially hazardous work environment. Their role is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where metal components are frequently produced.

What are some common challenges faced by Forge Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Forge Operators often encounter challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, maintaining precision under physically demanding conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. To address these challenges, operators should prioritize regular hydration, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and participate in ongoing safety training. Additionally, developing strong attention to detail and collaborating closely with team members, such as maintenance technicians and quality inspectors, can help minimize errors and ensure efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forge Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forge Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of metalworking processes, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring vocational training. Familiarity with forging presses, hammers, CNC machinery, and safety protocols is typically necessary, along with certifications in heavy equipment operation or OSHA safety standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help individuals excel in this demanding environment. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality forged components safely and efficiently while minimizing errors and workplace accidents.

What is the difference between Forge Operator vs Machinist?

AspectForge OperatorMachinist
Required CertificationsTypically none or basic safety trainingOften requires technical certifications or vocational training
Work EnvironmentFactories, foundries, heavy industrial settingsMachine shops, manufacturing plants, industrial environments
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating forging presses, handling hot metal, ensuring safetySetting up, operating, and maintaining machine tools for metal fabrication

Forge Operators focus on operating forging equipment in heavy industrial settings, mainly working with hot metals. Machinists, on the other hand, work with precision machine tools to shape metal parts. While both roles require knowledge of metalworking, Forge Operators typically need less formal certification and work in more physically demanding environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role in the manufacturing industry.

What are popular job titles related to Forge Operator jobs in California? For Forge Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forge Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forge Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Forge Operator jobs in CA? For Forge Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forge Operator jobs near you
Manufacturing Forge Engineer

Manufacturing Forge Engineer

TriMas Corporation

Gardena, CA

$74K - $95K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Summary:
PennAero is hiring a Manufacturing Forge Engineer at our Briles Aerospace Company in Gardena, CA. Briles Aerospace is a certified manufacturer of high-strength aerospace fasteners with decades of industry experience. Our team brings deep technical knowledge and advanced manufacturing techniques to every project, producing precision components that meet exacting aerospace specifications.

About PennAero:
PennAero is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered fasteners and specialized components for critical aerospace, defense, space, and advanced energy applications. We partner with customers to solve their most complex challenges, bringing technical depth and disciplined, agile execution when it matters most. Experience guides our growth-strengthening capabilities and expanding our global platform as markets evolve. To learn more about PennAero's capabilities and commitment to aerospace excellence, visit https://pennaero.com

PositionSummary:
BrilesAerospace is seeking a handson Manufacturing / Forge Engineer to support ouraerospace forging and machining operations. This role is ideal for an engineerwho thrives on the shop floor working directly with tooling, machinery,maintenance, and production teams to keep equipment running, improve processes,and support daily manufacturing needs. The successful candidate will have astrong understanding of forging operations, tooling design, heavy machinery,and machine rebuilds, and will serve as a technical resource for the machine shopand forging floor.
Responsibilities
Provide daytoday engineering support to forging, heat treat, and machining operations
Troubleshoot production issues related to tooling, press operation, dies, fixtures, and equipment
Support process improvements to increase uptime, efficiency, quality, and safety
Design, modify, and improve forging dies, fixtures, tools, and shop aids
Support repair, rebuild, and installation of forging presses, hammers, furnaces, and machining equipment
Work closely with maintenance on machine rebuilds, retrofits, and preventative maintenance
Develop and maintain work instructions, process routings, tooling drawings, and setup sheets
Support new product introductions (NPI) from concept through production
Ensure forging and machining processes meet aerospace quality and traceability requirements
Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for production or quality issues
Work closely with machine shop, forging operators, maintenance, and quality
Support continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles
Assist with training operators on new tooling, processes, and equipment changes

This role is required to be on-site 5 days a week at the Gardena, CA location.

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About TriMas

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Bloomfield Hills, MI, US

Year founded

1988

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