BLACKSMITH/STRAIGHTENER

STS Metals Inc; Irwindale (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

HR & leadership support

Job summary

STS Metals Inc in Irwindale, CA is hiring a Blacksmith/Straightener to lead the forge crew and operate straightening presses and related forge equipment. This regular, full-time, non-exempt role focuses on shaping metal components per specifications, with emphasis on safety and production efficiency.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, heating and moving material, adjusting equipment, and ensuring quality through inspections.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required (preferred).
• Minimum 2 years in metal forging, press ops, 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.
• Forklift or overhead crane operation (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.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production goals.

Skills

Blueprints & drawings

Metallurgy knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Overhead cranes

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: IRWINDALE, CA 91706, Salary Range: $25.00 - $30.00 Hourly, 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