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Forge Press Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forge Operator - DG80 Complex/Hammer Shop ELLWOOD Texas Forge Navasota is seeking safety-focused ... Two years of experience in heavy manufacturing, steel, foundry, forging, press operation ...

Forge Operator - DG80 Complex/Hammer Shop ELLWOOD Texas Forge Navasota is seeking safety-focused ... Two years of experience in heavy manufacturing, steel, foundry, forging, press operation ...

Press Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Set up, adjust, and operate forging press machines to produce metal components. * Read and ... Operating a forklift to load and unload materials into machines * Monitor machine operations to ...

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 ...

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Forge Press Operator information

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How much do forge press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for forge press operator in the United States is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is a forge press operator a stressful job?

A forge press operator's job can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols, which may contribute to stress. The work environment often involves managing heavy machinery and maintaining strict production schedules, which can add to job pressure. However, stress levels vary depending on the workplace and individual experience.
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Infographic showing various Forge Press Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,500 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Forge Operator III (Instrument Press)

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Pursuit Aerospace
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing

$34.33/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Pursuit Aerospace rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Forge Operator III (Instrument Press) Operator
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 III, you will set-up, maintain and operate large forge presses (1,000 ton to 12,000 tons and over) to hot forge a variety of production and experimental commodities using a robotic-assist devise for material handling. 

  • Follow and maintain all safety procedures to ensure the safest possible work environment.  
  • Some work assignments require special protective clothing such as face shields, aprons, and gloves. Refer to area JHA for specific PPE requirements. All areas require safety glasses and steel toe shoes.  
  • Perform housekeeping and other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.  
  • Assistance may be given to other operators on proper operational procedures.  
  • Employees may be required to move material within the work area.  
  • Maintain acceptable attendance and report to work prepared to be productive.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Follow proper Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.  
  • Maintain a safe, clean and organized working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.  
  • Ability to read, Interpret and work from blueprints, factory routers, work instructions, sketches and drawings, SDS sheets, and safety related information.  
  • Meets compliance requirements of Pursuit Aerospace business conduct guidelines as applicable to this position.  
  • Acquire and maintain necessary job knowledge and capability through on-the-job training, training programs, meetings, etc. as required for initial qualification and maintenance of necessary knowledge and skill level. 
  • Ability to train other operators in proper procedures, methods and techniques.
  • Take part in audits administered by internal and external (customer) auditors as required to establish the effectiveness of training.  
  • Must be capable of acceptable levels of performance after a training period. Consistently achieve target rate based on rate established for work standards.  
  • Ability to prioritize in a changing environment.  
  • Always maintain traceability of heat codes and billet mapping. Mark/tag material with proper heat code, and other identifying marks as required.  
  • A high degree of initiative, alertness and attentiveness to personal safety, process details concerning material conditions and equipment are required.  Deviations to required parameters and procedures as well as equipment malfunction must be reported to the supervisor.  
  • Ability to work and communicate both efficiently and effectively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Production Control in production improvement, problem solving, and product testing.  
  • Generate and maintain required paperwork such as logbooks, inspection records, work sheets, and various other paperwork by hand or computer as required by written procedures, Pursuit Aerospace-Cleveland, and its customers.  
  • Follow verbal and written Engineering and Quality Control instruction as contained in process procedures, metal finishing sheets, blueprints, operational sketches, tool lists, and other control documents to perform the operation in a specified and quality manner.  
  • During down time, a secondary job will be performed, which may result in a combination of work performed.  
  • Must report to work on a regular and consistent basis and be able to work an entire shift. 
  • Work from blueprints and tooling layouts to set-up (assemble, align and adjust) die sets involving multiple components. Adjust strokes and clearances, make periodical adjustments to hold tolerances and ensure compliance with specifications.  
  • Perform difficult details of shimming and centering or rework dies to obtain proper sizes, forms, and surface specifications. 
  • Clean dies and make minor touch up on dies using abrasive strips and small air guns.  Major die work requires assistance from die polishers. 
  • Inspect setup and production parts for quality and dimensional aspects using guillotine and feeler gages, inspect aircraft engine airfoils for required dimensions such as bow, twist, centrality, pitch, form, contour, etc.  Use micrometers and dial indicator gauges to check for required widths, thickness, and trim dimensions.  
  • Frequently check forged parts for form, visual finish, dimensional accuracy and forging defects.  
  • Read and interpret complex prints and setup cards to make mathematical calculations required for set-up and inspection of work including the ability to perform calculations using fractional and decimal numbers. 
  • Must be capable of successfully completing NADCAP & MMM certification. 
  • Set-up hydraulic press to specification.  Set stroke and cycle to check clearances.  
  • Monitor pressure and temperature to specification.   Load, cycle, and unload press.  
  • May run two or more dissimilar pieces of equipment which will be operated by one operator.  
  • Knowledge in the operation and application of hand grinding tools.  
  • Operate CMM to inspect and analyze part to specified tolerances.  
  • Monitor temperature, pressure and other gauges.  
  • Safely and efficiently operate Man-Mate boom.  

 Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate; experience using a band saw and lathe.  
  • Minimum of one year of forging experience in a manufacturing environment.  
  • Must have the ability to be licensed to operate a walk-type lift truck, hydraulic lift truck, or overhead joist.  
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis 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:

  • Safety-oriented attitude. Ensure proper eye and ear protection is worn at all times.  
  • Exhibit solid attendance record by reporting to work on a regular and consistent basis and be able to work an entire shift.  
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical computations using fractions and decimal points.  
  • Perform general housekeeping tasks assigned by Supervisor to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.  

Working Conditions: 

  • Requires mobility in a manufacturing plant environment while using Personal Protective Equipment.

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