1

Forge Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forge Operator $22-$25/hr The Forge Operator sets up and operates forge and trim presses, furnaces, and related equipment to produce high-quality forged parts in a clean, temperature-controlled ...

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and skilled Forge Operator/Utility to join our manufacturing team. In this vital role, you will operate and maintain various forging and machining equipment ...

Forge Operator I (Headers)

Euclid, OH · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Forge Operator I About Us: As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and ...

Cold Press Forge Operator

Columbus, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

The Forge Operator operates mechanical hot (Hub and CVJ) forge presses or cold (ironing and wringing) presses and (Bonderizing lines) to produce forged parts of steel. Coordinates the running of ...

Warm Press Forge Operator

Columbus, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

The Forge Operator operates mechanical hot (Hub and CVJ) forge presses or cold (ironing and wringing) presses and (Bonderizing lines) to produce forged parts of steel. In addition to hot press ...

Assists the forge operator with the forging process. * Understands the operation of all hammers, related equipment and equipment functions. * Understands hammer safety. * Meets production standards.

New

Be Seen First

We are seeking a Forge Operator to join a local machine shop on the south side of Milwaukee for a direct hire. Pay: $25-30/HR Description: In the next 6 months, we hope to add more automation to our ...

A High School Diploma/GED At least 2 years working in heavy manufacturing, preferable forging. Able to work rotating shifts. Able to communicate with a team. Benefits * Medical, dental, vision day ...

A High School Diploma/GED At least 2 years working in heavy manufacturing, preferable forging. Able to work rotating shifts. Able to communicate with a team. Benefits * Medical, dental, vision day ...

A High School Diploma/GED At least 2 years working in heavy manufacturing, preferable forging. Able to work rotating shifts. Able to communicate with a team. Benefits * Medical, dental, vision day ...

Forging Operator

Surgoinsville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Sets up and operates the Forge Press, electric furnace, various presses, and forklift truck to ... Act as backup shear operator when needed. Keeps equipment and work area in clean and orderly ...

Showing results 21-40

Forge Operator information

See salary details

$15

$20

$38

How much do forge operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forge operator in the United States is $20.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.63 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.

More about Forge Operator jobs
What states have the most Forge Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Forge Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forge Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forge Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Forge Operator jobs? For Forge Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forge Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,437 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Forge Operator II (Small Press)

Pursuit Aerospace

Euclid, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Pursuit Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Us:


As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and extraordinary customer service. We pride ourselves on competitive cost structure, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality.


The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers. Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products.

About the Opportunity:

As a Forge Operator II (Small Press Operator), you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining small forging press equipment used in the production of precision aerospace components. This role supports the manufacturing process by performing forging, trimming, and related production operations while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and production standards. The Forge Operator II works from engineering specifications, blueprints, setup documentation, and work instructions to produce components that meet customer and regulatory requirements. This position also performs in-process inspections, monitors equipment performance, maintains material traceability, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives while fostering a safe, clean, and organized manufacturing environment.

Location: Cleveland, OH

Responsibilities:

  • Set up, operate, adjust, and monitor small forging press equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, work instructions, and production requirements.
  • Produce forged aerospace components that meet quality, dimensional, and customer specifications.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, routers, tooling layouts, and process documentation to perform equipment setups and production activities.
  • Perform equipment changeovers, die setups, adjustments, and minor tooling maintenance to maintain product quality and optimize production efficiency.
  • Conduct in-process inspections using gauges, micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, and other measuring equipment to verify product conformance.
  • Monitor forging parameters, equipment performance, and process conditions, reporting deviations, quality concerns, or equipment malfunctions promptly.
  • Maintain material identification, heat code traceability, and required production documentation throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Complete required production, inspection, setup, and traceability records accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Follow all safety, PPE, housekeeping, Lockout/Tagout, and environmental requirements while maintaining a clean and organized work area.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives, participate in required training and certifications, and assist with cross-training and mentoring of other operators as needed.
  • Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and other departments to troubleshoot issues and achieve operational objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of manufacturing experience; forging, metalworking, or heavy industrial experience preferred.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time bases without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
  • Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience operating or setting up forging presses, hydraulic presses, or other metal forming equipment.
  • Experience performing die setups, tooling adjustments, and equipment changeovers in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
  • Experience using precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, feeler gauges, and other inspection equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, tooling layouts, setup sheets, and manufacturing routers.
  • Familiarity with material traceability, quality documentation, and in-process inspection requirements.
  • Experience operating forklifts, overhead cranes, hoists, or other industrial material handling equipment.
  • Experience using hand and power tools to perform minor equipment adjustments or tooling maintenance.
  • Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, quality, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
  • Previous experience training or mentoring other manufacturing employees.

Working Conditions

  • Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to moving machinery, elevated noise levels, heat, vibration, airborne dust, and varying temperatures.
  • Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, hearing protection, gloves, face shields, and other protective equipment as required by the work area.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, climbing, and repetitive use of hands and arms throughout the shift.
  • Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier materials moved using mechanical lifting devices.
  • Frequent operation of forging presses, material handling equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments.
  • Ability to safely work around heated materials, high-temperature equipment, hydraulic and mechanical presses, and other industrial machinery.
  • Ability to work scheduled shifts, including overtime, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.

Acknowledgements:

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Benefits:

Pursuit Aerospace also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements, among other things.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Pursuit Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.



What Pursuit Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom