1

Forge Press Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator -1st Shift

Fremont, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Operates presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal ... press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a ...

Operate forging press for Hand Forge operations and stress relieve. * In-process Inspection of Hand Forgings * Instruct operator of the manipulator forklift. * Operate the billet saw to cut raw ...

Operate forging press for Hand Forge operations and stress relieve. * In-process Inspection of Hand Forgings * Instruct operator of the manipulator forklift. * Operate the billet saw to cut raw ...

Showing results 21-40

Forge Press Operator information

See California salary details

$5

$17

$19

How much do forge press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for forge press operator in California is $17.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a forge press operator a hard job?

A forge press operator's job involves operating heavy machinery to shape metal parts, which can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols. The role often requires standing for long periods, manual dexterity, and knowledge of machine operation, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

What is a forge press operator?

A Forge Press Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating forging presses in manufacturing settings. They shape metal parts by controlling large mechanical or hydraulic presses that apply force to heated metal, forming it into specific shapes or components. Forge Press Operators monitor equipment, ensure safety protocols are followed, and inspect finished products for quality. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing, where precision metal parts are required.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forge press operator?

To thrive as a Forge Press Operator, you need a solid understanding of metalworking processes, blueprint reading, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with hydraulic and mechanical forging presses, measuring instruments, and sometimes CNC controls is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong problem-solving skills help operators excel in demanding manufacturing environments. These skills ensure the efficient production of high-quality forged parts while maintaining workplace safety and minimizing errors.

What is the difference between Forge Press Operator vs Machinist?

AspectForge Press OperatorMachinist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, possibly certifications in safety or machineryHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in machining or CNC programming
Work EnvironmentFactories with heavy machinery, forging presses, and metalworking equipmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, metalworking environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in metal forging and heavy manufacturingIn various manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, and metal fabrication

While both Forge Press Operators and Machinists work in manufacturing environments involving metalwork, Forge Press Operators focus on operating forging presses to shape metal parts, requiring knowledge of press operation and safety. Machinists, on the other hand, operate and program machine tools to produce precise parts. Both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, but their specific tasks and equipment differ significantly.

What are common challenges faced by forge press operators and how can they be managed?

Forge Press Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under high-pressure conditions, managing the physical demands of the job, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Dealing with heavy machinery requires constant attention to detail and quick problem-solving skills to address equipment malfunctions or material inconsistencies. To manage these challenges, operators receive thorough safety and technical training, participate in regular equipment maintenance routines, and often work closely with quality assurance and engineering teams to ensure product standards are consistently met.

What does a forge press operator do?

A forge press operator operates large mechanical or hydraulic presses to shape metal parts through forging processes. They set up, monitor, and adjust the equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and inspect finished products for quality. This role often requires knowledge of machinery, safety standards, and sometimes certifications in manufacturing or metalworking.
What are popular job titles related to Forge Press Operator jobs in California? For Forge Press Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forge Press Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forge Press Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forge Press Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Forge Press Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forge Press Operator jobs in CA? For Forge Press Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forge Press 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 $36,022 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Press Brake Operator -1st Shift

Sanmina

Fremont, CA • On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Sanmina rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world The Sanmina Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant.

Located in California's Silicon Valley, this facility produces low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume. The Fremont facility offers everything from small piece parts to fully integrated and tested systems. In addition, this location offers in-house painting capabilities and flexible logistics solutions in distribution, inventory management and hubbing, as well as repair services.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Press Brake Operator is a skilled technician responsible for setting up and operating press brake machines to bend, form, and shape metal sheets and plates according to engineering specifications and blueprints. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong focus on safety, and proficiency in reading technical drawings and using precision measurement tools to ensure the highest quality of fabricated components. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES: Review drawings for special instructions such as sequencing, forming and other details prior to starting the job.

Inspect work received from the previous operation and inspect again before moving completed work to the next operation. Utilize set-up sheets to set up mechanical brake with appropriate tooling. Use the mechanical brake to bend punched or laser cut parts according to customer specifications.

Coordinate the brake workload between shifts. Operates presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal; Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications Operate the press brake to bend, form, and shape metal components into various configurations, ensuring efficient cycle times and adherence to production schedules Safely load and unload raw sheet metal and plate materials onto the press brake, positioning them accurately for the bending process. Prepare and set up manual press brake machinery for production runs by selecting, installing, and aligning the appropriate tooling (punches and dies) based on material type and thickness.

MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and machine guarding. Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on the press brake and tooling, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal machine performance and longevity. Troubleshooting: Identify machine malfunctions, tooling issues, or material inconsistencies and communicate them promptly to the supervisor or maintenance QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TECHNICAL INTERPRETATION Blueprint Reading: Accurately read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders to determine bend allowances, sequences, and product specifications.

Quality Control: Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, protractors, squares, and gauges) to verify parts meet tight geometric tolerances and dimensions. Adjustment: Identify and troubleshoot forming issues (e.g., springback, cracking) and make necessary fine adjustments to machine settings or tooling to correct deviations and ensure quality. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED equivalent

5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment. Experience with Amada and Bystronics Brake Machines Basic computer and math skills. Ability to work overtime Can safely lift 50 pounds and stand for up to 8 hours Demonstrated curiosity and an enthusiastic aptitude for continuous learning and skill development.

Ability to rapidly absorb and apply new tools, systems, and processes. Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach to receiving direction. Expertise in using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, and gauges).

Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety Ability in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and geometric tolerances. Preferred/optional: Knowledge of CAD/CAM software for offline press brake programming. Technical or vocational training in machining, metal fabrication or a related field.

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Salary Range (annual): $58,240 - $76,960 ($28.00 -$37.00) per hour In addition, Sanmina Provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business


What Sanmina employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom