Blacksmith Apprentice (1st Shift, Alton)

Aluminum-Precision-Products-; Dyer (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

401k

ESOP

Paid Holidays

On-the-Job Training

Job summary

Aluminum Precision Products, Inc. in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Blacksmith Apprentice (1st Shift) to set up and operate forging presses, assist trainees, and progress through Level 1–3 competencies.

You will work on high-speed production, ensure quality and safety per travelers, perform in-process inspections, and learn to use tongs, cranes, and billet saw while ITAR regulations guide the role. Compensation ranges from $20 to $32 per hour with a comprehensive benefits package and on‑the‑job

Qualifications

• Basic English reading, writing and comprehension required.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers, supervisor and QC personnel.
• Basic math and measuring skills required.
• Willingness to follow specific instructions and directions.
• Able to work in a demanding fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate forging presses; assist trainees to ensure quality parts.
• Load stock/parts into conveyor oven and lubricate as required.
• Instruct Trainee to assure production of quality parts and maintain part counts.
• Perform in-process inspections and ensure compliance with travelers and quality standards.
• Operate tools like tongs, cranes, billet saw and hand forge equipment.
• Train others and demonstrate Level 1–3 duties as needed.

Skills

Basic English

Communication

Basic Math

Follow Instructions

Work in Fast Pace

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Blacksmith Apprentice (1st Shift, Alton)

502 E Alton Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707, USA

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Aluminum Precision Products (APP) is an international leader in manufacturing aluminum forgings. We offer you the opportunity to be a part of a globally recognized organization that enjoys an unparalleled reputation for quality. Here you’ll be challenged on a daily basis, tasked with solving problems, working with smart, energetic, and dedicated people with an opportunity to grow and learn.

Job Summary: Blacksmith sets up and operates the various forging presses, working in constant communication with the Blacksmith Apprentice. See different levels below:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform set-up including any adjustments to bolts, clamps, and burner assemblies as needed.
• Load stock/parts into conveyor oven.
• Instruct Trainee to assure the production of quality parts
• Position stock/part for spray-on lubrication process.
• Position the piece into the forging die with use of tongs, hydraulic clamps, air-assisted hoist and/or overhead crane
• Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific travelers.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• 1 -2 years of High School or equivalent.
• 3+ month’s related manufacturing/production experience.
• In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Basic English (reading, writing, verbal and comprehend)
• Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, and QC personnel
• Basic Math and Measuring

Level 1

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate the forging press at console.
• Lubricate die surfaces and stock/parts.
• Instruct Trainee to assure the production of quality parts.
• Maintain accurate part-counts of current production.
• Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific travelers.

Hand Forge

• Instruct loader on use of the tong manipulator
• Perform in-process inspection of product
• Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific travelers

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• 1-2 years of High School or equivalent.
• 3+ month’s related manufacturing/production experience.
• Pass Written and Practical Test
• In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Level 2

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must have ability to display skills of Level 1 plus:

• Perform in-process inspection of product.

Hand Forge

• 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 material as necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• 1-2 years of High School or equivalent.
• 3+ month’s related manufacturing/production experience.
• Pass Written and Practical Test
• In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Basic English (reading, writing, verbal and comprehend)
• Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, and QC personnel
• Basic Math and measuring
• Ability to use and operate equipment and machinery.
• Ability to follow specific instructions and directions
• Able to work in a demanding fast paced environment.

Level 3

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must have ability to display talents of Level 1 & 2

• Ability to train all levels
• Ability to operate mechanical press
• Skill to forge all closed die products

Hand Forge

• Ability to train all levels
• Skill to forge all hand forge products
• Have an ability to operate billet saw

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• 1-2 years of High School or equivalent.
• In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Basic English (reading, writing, verbal and comprehend)
• Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, and QC personnel
• Basic Math, measuring
• Ability to use and operate equipment and machinery.
• Ability to follow specific instructions and directions
• Able to work in a demanding fast paced environment.

Why work for APP?

• On-the-job training and opportunities for advancement with a strong promote within program.
• Medical, Dental, Vision – Generous company contribution, low cost to employee
• Life insurance – 100% company paid - covers employee, spouse and dependent children
• Generous Vacation Time
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Holiday Shut Down (Christmas thru New Year’s)
• Sick Time
• Annual Bonus (based on company meeting Key Results)
• 401k (Company matches up to 4%)
• ESOP Employee Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (100% Company Paid)

This role may be a good fit for you if you have had experience as a Manufacturing Associate, Production Worker, Machine Operator, Welder, or Metal Fabricator.

Compensation:

Apprentice: $20 - 22.00 per hour

Level 1: $22 - $24.50 per hour

Level 2: $24 - $27.50 per hour

Level 3: $27 - $32 per hour

This is the lowest to highest hourly rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

APP is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Company and we are committed to the long term growth of our organization and employees. We offer an excellent benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401k plan.

APP, Inc. engineers and manufactures certain products that are considered ITAR-controlled items under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Consistent with ITAR, any position at APP, Inc. that involves work with the engineering or manufacturing functions of the Company may only be filled by a candidate who is (i) a citizen of the United States, or (ii) a person who has been accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws. Are you a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person? (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Aluminum Precision Products, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and vets.

If you want to view the EEO is the Law poster in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese pleaseclick here.

502 E Alton Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707, USA