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Forge Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

STS Metals

FORGE / HOT SHOP HELPER

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$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 ...

alu

Hand Forge Saw Operator - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$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 ...

alu

2nd Shift Saw Operator (Hand Forge)

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/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 ...

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Forge Operator information

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$38

How much do forge operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 is a forge operator?

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?

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
Infographic showing various Forge Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,868 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Grinder Operator - 1st Shift

Connect Staffing

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Connect Staffing is hiring a Grinder Operator for an aluminum forging manufacturer in Santa Ana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $18.00 on a Monday–Thursday early morning schedule with Fridays until 1:30 PM. In this role, you will use surface grinding tools to remove flash and excess material from aluminum forgings and inspect finished parts to blueprint specifications. This client offers an exceptional permanent benefits package — including a fully company-paid ESOP retirement plan and life insurance — making this a strong long-term opportunity.


Pay: $18.00

Schedule: Monday–Thursday 5:00 AM–3:30 PM; Friday 5:00 AM–1:30 PM; Saturdays as needed

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Job Type: Temp-to-Hire

Primary workplace language(s): English, Spanish

Work Environment: Manufacturing Plant / Factory — hot metal and machine shop environment

Overtime: Weekly OT required (~8 hrs/wk); Saturdays as needed


Responsibilities

  • Use surface grinding tools to remove flash, burrs, and excess material from aluminum forgings following work order and forging process instructions.
  • Inspect parts visually and by touch to confirm they meet blueprint specifications.
  • Maintain accurate part counts and work order records for each job.
  • Use material handling equipment to move forgings and heavier parts within the work area.
  • Keep your workstation organized and follow lean manufacturing practices.
  • Wear required PPE — including safety glasses, gloves, and steel toe boots — at all times in the work area.

Minimum Requirements

  • 3+ months of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
  • Basic math and measuring skills sufficient to read job travelers and verify part counts.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience using angle grinders, die grinders, or surface grinding tools.
  • Experience in aluminum, metal casting, forging, or machining environments.
  • Familiarity with deburring, flash removal, or finishing manufactured metal parts.
  • Ability to operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks or hoists.
  • Good depth perception — useful for identifying surface defects and finishing parts accurately.
  • Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, or metal fabrication environment.
  • Ability to read and follow work orders and basic blueprint or job traveler instructions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, and verbal).
  • You may be a great fit if you've held any of these titles: Grinder Operator, Deburring Operator, Metal Finisher, Bench Grinder Operator, Machine Operator, Production Operator, Manufacturing Associate, Fabrication Technician, Metal Parts Finisher, General Laborer – Metal Fabrication.

Pre-Employment Requirements

  • Must be able to work at a fast pace in a very hot metal and machine shop environment.
  • Drug screen required.
  • Background check required.
  • E-Verify / work authorization required.
  • ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance: must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person.
  • Pre-employment physical / fit-for-duty exam at Concentra Clinic.
  • Must communicate effectively in English.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
  • Ability to work at a fast pace.
  • Steel toe boots required (employee-provided).

Benefits

  • Weekly pay.
  • Direct deposit / Paycard.
  • Health and dental benefits available.
  • Earn referral bonuses.
  • CalSavers retirement program available.
  • Additional benefits available upon permanent hire, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, vacation time, 9 paid holidays, holiday shutdown (Christmas through New Year's), sick time, annual bonus, 401(k) with 4% company match, ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) profit sharing, and tuition reimbursement.

After you apply, please check your email for a short screening questionnaire from us. Candidates who complete it promptly will be reviewed faster.


See all our current openings at jobs.connectstaffing.com


#CONHV