Blacksmith Apprentice - 2nd Shift (Forging / Press)

Colonial Group; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life insurance

Generous vacation

Paid holidays

Sick time

Annual bonus

401k

ESOP

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

APP in Santa Ana, CA is hiring an Apprentice for forging operations. You will set up, load, lubricate, and inspect parts across Level 1–3, under supervision and with Trainee guidance. Responsibilities expand with each level, including training others and operating presses, while meeting quality and production travelers.

Compensation shows hourly progression from $20–$32, with on-the-job training and benefits. This is an on-site manufacturing role with rapid skill advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform set-up including adjustments to bolts, clamps, and burner assemblies as needed.
• Load stock/parts into conveyor oven.
• Instruct Trainee to assure the production of quality parts
• Check stock and die temperatures before forging 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.

Skills

Basic English

Communication with co-workers

Basic Math

Operate machinery

Follow instructions

Fast-paced environment

Education

High School or equivalent, 1-2 years

3+ months manufacturing/production experience

Pass Written and Practical Test

Job description

Job Summary:

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

Apprentice

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
• Check stock and die temperatures before forging 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.

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

Closed Die

• 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
• Operate manipulator forklift
• 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

Level 2

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must have ability to display skills of Level 1 plus:

Closed Die

• Perform in-process inspection of product.
• Run standard and complex closed die shapes (including wrap dies)

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

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

Closed Die

• 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.

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.

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)
• Tuition reimbursement

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.