BLACKSMITH / PRESS OPERATOR

STS Metals Inc; Baldwin Park (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

401(k) with company contribution

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and time off

Floating holidays

Leadership & HR support

Job summary

STS Metals Inc. is seeking a Blacksmith/Straightener to lead a forge crew in daily straightening, forging, and heat treating operations.

The role involves operating presses, reading blueprints, and coordinating material movement to meet production goals, while maintaining safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, reads mechanical drawings, and understands forging processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in metal forging, press operations, or related field.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints.
• Familiarity with forging temperatures, metallurgy, and basic machining processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to operate forklifts or overhead cranes (certification preferred).
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the forge crew in daily straightening, forging, and heat treating operations using presses and furnaces.
• Operate forging equipment and manipulators to shape and move metal components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, forge instructions, and work orders to guide operations.
• Heat, load, and unload material into furnaces, maintaining material identification throughout the process.
• Adjust equipment settings based on material type and job requirements.
• Inspect parts and use precision tools to ensure quality standards are met.
• Monitor equipment, report issues, and perform routine maintenance checks.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow all safety protocols.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Overhead crane operation

Job description

STS Metals is a unified organization composed of five businesses working together to deliver high-quality titanium, stainless and alloy steel, and nickel products. We proudly serve the aerospace, medical, industrial, and space industries with a commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and superior customer service.

This position is classified as regular, full-time, Non-Exempt. The Blacksmith/Straightener is responsible for primarily operating straightening presses and other related forge equipment to shape metal components according to specifications. In addition to hands‑on forging responsibilities, this person will lead a forge crew in daily forging operations, directing team members in tasks such as loading material into furnaces, handling forged parts, and scheduling production orders. This role works closely with other departments to coordinate the movement of material throughout the plant and plays a key part in ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate metal forming processes.

Principal Duties

The responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:

• Lead the forge crew in daily straightening, forging, & heat treating operations using presses and furnaces.
• Operate forging equipment and manipulators to shape and move metal components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, forge instructions, and work orders to guide operations.
• Heat, load, and unload material into furnaces, maintaining material identification throughout the process.
• Adjust equipment settings based on material type and job requirements.
• Inspect parts and use precision tools (e.g., calipers) to ensure quality standards are met.
• Monitor equipment, report issues, and perform routine maintenance checks.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow all safety protocols.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in metal forging, press operations, or related field (preferred)
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints.
• Familiarity with forging temperatures, metallurgy, and basic machining processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to operate forklifts or overhead cranes (certification preferred).
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

We offer benefits designed to support you at work and at home:

• Medical: Choice of Kaiser or Anthem, with the company covering a generous portion of the employee contribution on the base plan, plus the option to choose from multiple plan levels
• Dental & Vision: Company‑sponsored coverage, including a base dental plan with buy‑up options and vision coverage
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to a 6% company contribution
• Wellness: Monthly wellness program with opportunities to participate and earn monthly raffle prizes
• Education: Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and career development
• Time Off: Paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Stability & Support: Year‑round operation, clear expectations, and leadership and HR support