Forging Press Operator - 1st Shift

Connect Staffing is hiring a Forging Press Operator for an aluminum forging manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire 1st shift position paying $20/hr, with approximately 8 hours of overtime required each week. In this role, you will operate a forging press at the console, load and position aluminum stock into forging dies using tongs and an overhead crane, and inspect parts to meet quality and production requirements. This client offers an exceptional permanent benefits package — including a fully company-paid ESOP retirement plan and life insurance — making this a strong long-term opportunity.

Pay: $20/hr

Schedule: Mon–Thu 5AM–3:30PM, Fri 5AM-1:30PM, Saturdays as needed

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Job Type: Temp-to-Hire

Primary workplace language(s): English, Spanish

Work Environment: Manufacturing Plant / Factory — hot metal and machine shop environment

Overtime: Weekly OT required (~8 hrs/wk)

Responsibilities

• Operate a forging press at the console to produce closed-die aluminum forgings according to job-specific travelers.
• Load stock into the conveyor oven and check stock and die temperatures before forging.
• Lubricate die surfaces using spray-on lubrication process.
• Position stock and parts into forging dies using tongs, hydraulic clamps, air-assisted hoist, and overhead crane.
• Operate a tong manipulator and manipulator forklift during hand-forge operations.
• Perform in-process visual inspection of forged parts and maintain accurate part counts.

Minimum Requirements

• 3 months of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Basic math and measuring skills sufficient to read job travelers and verify part counts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience operating a forging press, hydraulic press, or industrial metal-forming equipment.
• Familiarity with closed-die or open-die / hand-forge processes.
• Experience using overhead cranes, hoists, or tong manipulators in a production setting.
• Background in aluminum, steel, or other metal manufacturing environments.
• Ability to read and follow job travelers, work orders, or production documentation.
• Experience performing in-process quality inspections on metal parts.
• You may be a great fit if you've held any of these titles: Forging Press Operator, Blacksmith, Press Operator, Metal Forming Operator, Forge Technician, Die Press Operator, Production Press Operator, Heavy Press Operator, Industrial Press Operator, Metal Fabrication Operator.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must be able to work at a fast pace in a very hot metal and machine shop environment.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Steel toe boots required (employee-provided).
• Drug screen required.
• Background check required.
• E-Verify / work authorization required.
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance required — must be a US Person as defined by ITAR regulations.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Must be a US Citizen or US Person as defined by ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) — lawful permanent resident or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Benefits

• Weekly pay.
• Direct deposit / Paycard.
• Health and dental benefits available.
• Earn referral bonuses.
• CalSavers retirement program available.
• Very rich additional benefits available upon permanent hire: On-the-job training and advancement opportunities (strong promote-from-within program), Medical/Dental/Vision coverage (generous company contribution, low employee cost), 100% company-paid life insurance (employee, spouse, and dependents), generous vacation time, 9 paid holidays, holiday shutdown (Christmas through New Year’s), sick time, annual bonus (based on company performance), 401(k) with company match up to 4%, ESOP employee profit-sharing retirement plan (100% company-paid), tuition reimbursement

After you apply, please check your email for a short screening questionnaire from us. Candidates who complete it promptly will be reviewed faster.

See all our current openings at jobs.connectstaffing.com

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