How to hire a forging machine operator

How to hire a forging machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step forging machine operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a forging machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new forging machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a forging machine operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a forging machine operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a forging machine operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a forging machine operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents forging machine operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Forging Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Forging Machine Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-25
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Machine Operator	Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output... Show more	$12-19

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Calipers
   • CNC

   Responsibilities:

   • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
   • Operate forge machine wit steel rods also operate CNC machinery with gauges and calipers and reading blue prints.
   • Gain some knowledge about heat treating, forge set ups, and CNC machining, milling and threading.
   • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
   • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your forging machine operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A forging machine operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, forging machine operators' average salary in florida is 37% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level forging machine operators 48% less than senior-level forging machine operators.
   • Certifications. A forging machine operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a forging machine operator's salary.

   Average forging machine operator salary

   $39,074yearly

   $18.79 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level forging machine operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

4. Writing a forging machine operator job description

   A job description for a forging machine operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a forging machine operator job description:

   Forging machine operator job description example

   LAN - Shift 3 ($. 50) (United States of America - Michigan)

   A BRIEF OVERVIEW
   The Machine Operator, Forging Press is responsible for operating the press to form products using billets and die blocks according to established standard work for production purposes.
   WHAT YOU WILL DO

   • Complete all DHR documents
   • Trouble shoot/problem solve die issues
   • Produce parts to manufacturing or customer prints with minimal supervision.
   • Identify visual and dimensional defects.
   • Complete dimensional inspection, first piece layout and all IPIS inspections.
   • Understanding of water to graphite ratio.
   • Set up of press within stated time.
   • Make sure work environment remains safe, uncluttered, clean and well-maintained by performing maintenance and general janitorial duties throughout shift per the 6S schedule
   • Monitor machines for irregularities
   • Support quality and compliance by adhering to all procedures, work instructions, and forms per the Quality Management Systems (QMS).
   • Perform other duties as required or directed by the Department Supervisor or Lead.

   EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

   • High School Or Equivalent preferred

   EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

   • 1+ Year of Prior Relevant Experience preferred

   KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS THAT ENABLE SUCCESS

   • Accuracy and Attention to Detail -
   • Blueprint Reading -
   • Hand Dexterity -
   • Lean Manufacturing -
   • Machine Set Up -

   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

   • Must be able to remain in a stationary position - Frequently
   • Must be able to lift and/or moves up to 125 pounds - Occasionally
   • Must be able to move about the inside of the building - Occasionally
   • Must be able to move equipment around the building - Occasionally
   • Must be able to position oneself and move under/around/over equipment - Occasionally
   • Must be able to handle/adjust/inspect/position various items and equipment - Constantly
   • Must be able to communicate and exchange information with others - Frequently
   • Must be able to perform tasks that require repetitive handling/adjusting/inspecting/positioning of items and equipment - Constantly

   WORKING CONDITIONS

   • Noise - Frequently

   WHAT WE OFFER

   • Opportunity to work in a growing company
   • Ability to help people live a longer, more active life
   • Comprehensive benefit package
   • Ability to work in an organization that values:
     • Integrity First: We do the right thing
     • Teamwork: We are one Orchid
     • Results: Our results matter

   ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

   • Candidates offered employment may be required to submit to a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug-screening based on position requirements
   • Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States through eVerify

   EOE, including disability/vets

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right forging machine operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your forging machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit forging machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit forging machine operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new forging machine operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect forging machine operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a forging machine operator?