BLACKSMITH / STRAIGHTENER

STS Metals; Irwindale (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

STS Metals is seeking a Blacksmith/Straightener to lead a forge crew in daily straightening, forging, and heat-treating operations at our Irwindale, CA facility. You will operate presses and furnaces, read blueprints, ensure quality with calipers, and coordinate material movement with other departments while upholding safety standards.

We offer medical, dental/vision, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

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).

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 (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.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Quality inspection

Safety awareness

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Overhead cranes

Calipers

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 levelsDental & Vision: Company-sponsored coverage, including a base dental plan with buy-up options and vision coverageRetirement: 401(k) with up to a 6% company contributionWellness: Monthly wellness program with opportunities to participate and earn monthly raffle prizesEducation: Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and career developmentTime Off: Paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation, and sick timeStability & Support: Year-round operation, clear expectations, and leadership and HR support