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Metal Forming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prior experience in metal forming or automotive manufacturing. You should be proficient in: * Equipment Troubleshooting * Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills * Machine Setups for Production Runs * Shop ...

Parts Forming B - 13406 Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanesis excited to ... Straighten sheet metals andparts andadjust brakes for proper machine strike. * Detect ...

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Metal Forming information

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$13

$19

$25

How much do metal forming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for metal forming in the United States is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forming in metal work?

Forming in metal work is a manufacturing process where metal is shaped into desired forms by applying force without removing material, often using tools like presses, hammers, or dies. Metal forming includes techniques such as bending, rolling, and stamping, and requires knowledge of material properties and precision tools. It is a fundamental skill for metal forming specialists involved in producing parts and components efficiently.

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 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.

Do fabricators make a lot of money?

Metal fabricators typically earn wages that are around the national average for skilled trades, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level positions may pay lower, while experienced fabricators with certifications or advanced skills can earn higher wages, especially in industrial or manufacturing settings. Overall, it is a stable career with potential for increased earnings through skill development and specialization.

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 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 professions work with metal?

Professions that work with metal include metal fabricators, welders, blacksmiths, sheet metal workers, and metal machinists. These roles involve cutting, shaping, welding, and assembling metal components, often requiring knowledge of tools, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications. They work in manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and artistic fields.

Is there a high demand for sheet metal workers?

Sheet metal workers are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, manufacturing, and maintenance projects. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries require skilled workers to install, fabricate, and repair metal components, often requiring knowledge of tools and safety standards.
More about Metal Forming jobs
What cities are hiring for Metal Forming jobs? Cities with the most Metal Forming job openings:
What states have the most Metal Forming jobs? States with the most job openings for Metal Forming jobs include:
Infographic showing various Metal Forming job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,349 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Metal Plate Former/Fabricator

Metal Plate Former/Fabricator

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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
  • 10-15+ 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.

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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

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