Blacksmith/Straightener

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Floating holidays

Wellness program

Career development

Job summary

STS Metals Inc in Irwindale, CA is seeking a Blacksmith/Straightener to operate straightening presses and forge equipment, lead a forge crew, and coordinate loading, heating, and treatment of metal parts according to specifications.

You will read blueprints, monitor quality with calipers, maintain safety, and work with other departments to meet production goals. A high school diploma or GED and 2 years forging experience are preferred; forklift or crane certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Minimum 2 years of forging/press operations experience.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints.
• Familiarity with forging temperatures and metallurgy basics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Forklift or overhead crane operation (certification preferred).
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead forge crew in daily straightening, forging, and heat treating operations.
• Operate forging equipment and manipulators to shape metal components.
• Read blueprints and work orders to guide operations.
• Heat, load, and unload material into furnaces while tracking IDs.
• Adjust equipment settings based on material and job requirements.
• Inspect parts with precision tools to ensure quality standards.
• Monitor equipment, report issues, and perform routine maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow safety protocols.
• Collaborate with departments to meet production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading blueprints

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Overhead cranes

Job description

Job Details

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

Qualifications