ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forge Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Aichi Forge

Press Operator

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... Move metal forgings from the conveyor using a hoist and other available devices throughout the ... Needs to be trained on safe operations practice before operating a press Knowledge of safe machine ...

AICHI FORGE USA INC

Press Operator

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... Move metal forgings from the conveyor using a hoist and other available devices throughout the ... Needs to be trained on safe operations practice before operating a press Knowledge of safe machine ...

Kobe Aluminum Automotive

Forklift Operator

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Forging Reports to: Forging Supervisor Position Summary: This position is responsible for operating a Forklift. The operator is charged with operating the Forklift with safety in mind, delivering ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Forklift Operator Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts R+L Carriers has an immediate need for ... Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned, privately held ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Georgetown, KY

$23.73/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $23.73 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned, privately held ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$23.73/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $23.73 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned, privately held ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$23.73/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $23.73 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned, privately held ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Paducah, KY

$23.26/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $23.26 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Pigeon Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. * LPOTHER About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Paducah, KY · On-site

$23.26/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $23.26 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Pigeon Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. * LPOTHER About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Paducah, KY · On-site

$23.26/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $23.26 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Pigeon Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. * LPOTHER About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Louisville, KY · On-site

$25.90/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $25.90 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Pigeon Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. LPOTHER About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator PT

Louisville, KY

$25.90/hr

Forklift Operator, Starting at $25.90 hr Part-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of ... Pigeon Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. LPOTHER About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForge Operator JobsForge Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Forge Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$18

$33

How much do forge operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for forge operator in Kentucky is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.80 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 Kentucky? For Forge Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forge Operator jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Forge Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Forge Operator jobs in KY? For Forge Operator jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forge Operator job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,726 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Forge Associate - 2nd Shift

Hendrickson USA, LLC

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Hendrickson rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

319th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Position Purpose
Operate and maximize productive time of forging press and related equipment. Ensure product is made safely and within manufacturing tolerances.
Essential Functions
  • Operate Die Assembly Press, Saw, Forge Press, Billet Feeder, and other associated equipment in forge area
  • Perform forge die/ tooling setup, assembly, disassembly, rebuild, clean and refresh
  • Responsible for induction heating process, basic trouble shooting, adjustments, etc.
  • Setup and adjust die heaters, maintain appropriate die temperatures
  • Operate overhead cranes to unload raw material and move dies/tooling
  • Operate and perform basic trouble shooting of control systems like HMIs, robots, vision systems, weight scale and laser
  • Verify product quality through dimensional measurements of parts as well as visual inspections
  • Adjust and align saw blades to maintain the part quality
  • Perform die lubrication alignments
  • Disposition and document scrap, rework and rejected parts; maintain traceability of purchased, manufactured, and WIP raw materials in forge area
  • Maintain, organize, and coordinate billet reheat process
  • Perform preventative maintenance as outlined on preventative maintenance schedules
  • Complete periodical and incidental machine maintenance in an accurate and timely manner
  • Evaluate and document die wear
  • Use of Statistical Process Controls while operating under our documented control plan.

Education & Training
  • Associate degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related degree program
  • Previous experience in machining
  • 2+ years' experience with troubleshooting/operating PLC's/HMI's
  • Competent in computer entry and applications such as Microsoft-Office
  • Basic understanding of GD&T, forging process, and automation

Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in manufacturing environment with forging being a plus OR

1-2 years of experience in maintenance or technical position required
  • Proficient in diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical, electronic, fluid power, mechanical and plumbing systems.
  • Ability to read meters, prints, sketches, verbal instructions, and mathematical data for use with tooling, gauging, and fixturing.
  • Good interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and must be able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must have experience using precision measuring tools/equipment, like micrometers and calipers

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

What Hendrickson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply