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Metal Forming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FLAG Solutions LLC

Press Brake Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Operate brake forming machines to produce precision sheet metal components. * Verify parts using precision measuring instruments to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance with specifications.

Apple

Tooling Engineer- Metal

Cupertino, CA

$163K - $246K/yr

We are looking for an experienced metal tooling engineer to provide a technical interface between our product design groups and our suppliers, and to drive development of extraordinary metal forming ...

Vast

Manufacturing Engineer, Structures

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$86K - $122K/yr

Experience with large-scale metal forming and/or welding processes (~20 ft. assemblies) * Experience with automated or semi-automated metal forming and/or welding processes * Knowledge of ...

Apple

Tooling Engineer - Metal Stamping

Cupertino, CA

$194K - $293K/yr

... metal forming tooling and processes at our supply base. Description Assist in the product design ... process through Design for Manufacturing (DFM) input, as well as direct our suppliers in the design ...

Machina Labs

Full Stack Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Full Stack Engineer to develop systems for their robotic sheet metal forming platform, bridging the gap between virtual and physical processes. Responsibilities : • Design ...

Machina Labs

Full Stack Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Full Stack Engineer to develop systems for their robotic sheet metal forming platform, bridging the gap between virtual and physical manufacturing processes. Responsibilities : • ...

Vast

Manufacturing Engineer, Structures

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$162K - $230K/yr

Experience with large-scale metal forming and/or welding processes (~Ø20 ft. assemblies) * Experience with automated or semi-automated metal forming and/or welding processes * Knowledge of ...

DMI Companies

Manufacturing Opportunities

Lodi, CA · On-site

$19.71 - $25.78/hr

Key ResponsibilitiesPerform assembly, metal-forming, and machine operation tasksOperate a foot pedal banding machine to secure products for shipmentHandle materials and support inventory control ...

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Metal Forming information

See California salary details

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How much do metal forming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for metal forming in California is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metal forming?

Metal forming is a manufacturing process that involves shaping metal parts and objects through deformation, rather than removing material. This process uses mechanical forces, such as compression, bending, or stretching, to alter the shape of metal workpieces while maintaining their mass and volume. Common metal forming techniques include rolling, forging, extrusion, and stamping, which are widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metal forming technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metal Forming Technician, you need a solid understanding of metal properties, blueprint reading, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC machines, hydraulic presses, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork help individuals excel in this hands-on environment. These skills and qualities ensure precise production, safe operations, and efficient workflow in metal fabrication settings.

What are the most common challenges faced by metal forming operators and how can they be addressed?

Metal forming operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under tight tolerances, handling repetitive tasks, and ensuring safety while working with heavy machinery. To address these, operators should regularly calibrate equipment, follow strict safety protocols, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with new technologies and best practices. Collaboration with maintenance teams and engineers is also essential for troubleshooting equipment issues and improving workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Metal Forming vs Metal Fabrication?

AspectMetal FormingMetal Fabrication
Primary ProcessesShaping metal through bending, rolling, forging, or extrusionCutting, assembling, welding, and finishing metal parts
Work EnvironmentFactories with heavy machinery, often involving large-scale equipmentWorkshops with cutting, welding, and assembly tools
CertificationsMachinery operation, safety, and sometimes specific forming process certificationsWelding certifications, safety training, and technical skills

Metal Forming involves shaping metal using processes like forging and extrusion, focusing on altering the metal's form without removing material. Metal Fabrication, on the other hand, includes cutting, welding, and assembling metal components to create finished products. Both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, but they differ in processes and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Metal Forming jobs in California?

For Metal Forming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Metal Forming jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Metal Forming jobs in California are:

Metal Forming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metal Forming job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,821 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Metal Plate Former/Fabricator, Maritime-Santa Ana,California

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Laguna Beach, CA

$54.81/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,610 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Maritime Manufacturing Technology Team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies, processes, and materials for cutting-edge defense hardware. The team is developing deployable static and moving surfaces, undersea and sea to air vehicles, and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are seeking an experienced Metal Former/Machine Operator to join the team, working in a cutting-edge production environment to advance the state-of-the-possible in maritime manufacturing. You will play a key role in delivering our products to our customers by working hands-on with our engineering team on a multi-disciplinary workflow. This role will include fabricating high-quality parts in a cutting-edge production system as well as building assemblies to support the production floor.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Read and interpret technical drawings and CAD models.
  • Program/set-up/operate manual, semi-automated and CNC plate rollers, hydraulic presses, and shears.
  • Design/spec out and lead implementation of various work holding and fixture methods.
  • Act as SME on the rolling/forming/contouring fabrication of pressure vessels, alloys, or varying materials.
  • Troubleshoot issues and make adjustments during the manufacturing process.
  • Perform quality control both during and at completion of the manufacturing process.
  • Lead the organization, machine maintenance, and cleanliness of the work area.
  • Collaborate with the Quality and Engineering teams to identify and implement safety policies and procedures.
  • Help build, supervise, and mentor the fabrication team on rolling, forming, contouring, safe handling, etc.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 8+ years' experience as a metal forming technician.
  • Proven experience in setting up and operating plate rolling machines to form cylinders, cones, and other curved shapes of various metal thicknesses (up to 4-6").
  • Extensive experience in operating hydraulic press brakes for forming and bending.
  • High level of familiarity with various alloys, metals, etc.
  • Knowledgeable in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Proficient in using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, protractors, tape measures).
  • Can own the completion of an assigned manufacturing task from start to finish.
  • Ability to flex between R&D fabrication and production tasks.
  • Able and willing to jump in on production assembly integration tasks as needed.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience working with exotic materials like Inconel, Monel, Titanium, and HY-80).
  • General fabrication experience (cutting, forming, welding).
  • Forklift and/or overhead crane certification or ability to obtain.
  • Experience with CAD software like Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
  • Prior work with architecture and infrastructure engineering partners and/or general contractors to build, improve or modify machining systems.
  • Hobbyist fabricator, welder, builder.

US Hourly Range
$41.35-$54.81 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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