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Forge Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Rotary Forge Floor Operator * Assist forge operator in loading material. * Check billet diameter and ensure material is forged to tolerance. * Input billet diameter and hammer IDs used into the PMC ...

Rotary Forge Floor Operator * Assist forge operator in loading material. * Check billet diameter and ensure material is forged to tolerance. * Input billet diameter and hammer IDs used into the PMC ...

Rotary Forge Floor Operator * Assist forge operator in loading material. * Check billet diameter and ensure material is forged to tolerance. * Input billet diameter and hammer IDs used into the PMC ...

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Forge Operator * Heat Treat Operator * Other production/machine operation duties as assigned Pay * $16.00/hour starting pay for candidates with no experience * Experienced candidates may earn ...

The operator will also maintain safety protocols and ensure that production goals are met ... Operate all forge presses; This includes setting and monitoring all press controls * Check the set ...

Forge Press Operator

Twinsburg, OH · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Knowledge of forge operation safety rules and requirements * Teamwork skills * Fork lift operator certification * Knowledge of basic rotary and slot furnace Preventative Maintenance * Basic knowledge ...

Showing results 41-60

Forge Operator information

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$15

$20

$38

How much do forge operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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 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.

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What states have the most Forge Operator jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Forge Operator jobs look for?

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What are popular job titles related to Forge Operator jobs?

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Infographic showing various Forge Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,437 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


American Axle & Manufacturing rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

467th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Posting Title
Set Up & Operate Forge
Job Description Summary
Set Up and Operate Machines
Job Description:
Key Responsibilities:
  • Follow all health, safety and environmental practices and preventative measures.
  • Follow rules and procedures as required.
  • Responsible for the operation of machines, presses, hand grinders and/or other types of equipment used to produce powdered metal products.
  • Visually inspect parts for rust, dimensional conformance, etc.
  • As required, set-up equipment for processing parts
  • As required, adjust assigned equipment for processing parts.
  • As required, monitor safety and conduct quality checks, i.e. dimensional features, surface finished, flatness, flash, etc.
  • Perform autonomous maintenance.
  • Follow instructions on standard work in regard to operation of machines, presses etc.
  • Complete operator paperwork, GQS, on each shift.
  • Complete changeovers as required to perform job.
  • Load equipment, presses, etc.
  • Drive Genie Boom in a safe manner as required.
  • Charge Genie Boom truck batteries as required on electric fork truck.
  • Actively participate in Continuous Improvement and perform them as scheduled.
  • Participate in training as required.
  • Clean during and end of shift as required to include picking up lose parts.
  • Maintain work area and equipment in a neat and orderly fashion.
  • Complete records and forms as required and instructional documents. Perform duties at all times in a safe and efficient manner and report problems, irregularities and suggested corrective action immediately to supervisor.
  • All other associated forge operator duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Soft Skills and Other Competencies:
  • Ability to follow directions.
  • Knowledge of LEAN tools.
  • Knowledge of basic problem-solving tools such as Root Cause and 5-why.
  • Skills in operating office equipment, such as person computer, calculator, and copier.
  • Ability to communicate with employees and business contacts in a group or individual setting.
  • Ability to prioritize duties and good time-management skills.
  • Ability to work directly with all levels of the organization in a fast-paced environment
  • Detail oriented.
  • Ability to read and write the English language.

  • Safety and 5-S Requirements:
    Accidents involving injuries, property damage, and spills must be reported immediately. Near misses (close calls) are also important for loss control and must be reported as well. Lean Enterprise 5-S standards must be maintained in all assigned areas
  • Environmental Conditions:
    This position will experience a wide range of conditions. From office conditions to actual shop floor exposure. There is no condition that exists that this position will not be exposed to
    Personal Protection Equipment:
    Must be worn, when required in specific areas. Includes, but is not limited to Safety Glasses with side shields, Hearing Protection and Safety Shoes.

Required Skills and Education
High School Diploma/GED
Genie Boom (This is obtained at GKN)
Necessary eye and muscular coordination to perform job.
About Dauch:
Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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About American Axle & Manufacturing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), based in Detroit, MI, US, is a globally recognized leader in the automotive industry. Established in 1994, the company has built a strong reputation as a premier manufacturer of driveline and drivetrain systems, and related components for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, crossover vehicles, and commercial vehicles. With the mission of “Powering the Future of Mobility”, AAM is dedicated to delivering top-tier power transfer solutions that are efficient, safe, and sustainable. Over the decades, AAM's determination to excel has led to the development of groundbreaking innovations, earning accolades for its advanced PowerDense™ and EcoTrac® solutions.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1917