How to hire a forming press operator

How to hire a forming press operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step forming press 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 forming press operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new forming press operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a forming press 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

   A forming press operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, forming press operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents forming press operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Forming Press Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Forming Press Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$14-23
   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
   Press Brake Operator	A press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Calipers
   • RAN

   Responsibilities:

   • Use of CMM machines and standard hand tools for adjustments and corrections.
   • Used measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and stationary measuring equipment.
   • Set up and run press according to set up sheet.form an submit first piece to Qc for quality check.
   • Verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers and calipers.
   • Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.
   • Dye setting and machine set up.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, forming press operators' average salary in florida is 25% less than in rhode island.
   • Seniority. Entry-level forming press operators 38% less than senior-level forming press operators.
   • Certifications. A forming press 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 forming press operator's salary.

   Average forming press operator salary

   $38,216yearly

   $18.37 hourly rate

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   Entry-level forming press operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a forming press operator job description

   A good forming press operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a forming press operator job description:

   Forming press operator job description example

   ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we're building a launch system we are truly proud of - no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We're an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we're determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.
   When launch day arrives, we want you by our side
   
   ABL is seeking a skilled forming press operator with a highly-trained eye for quality to join our metal working department.
   RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop new methods, techniques, form blocks, etc., to facilitate straightening and forming.Use test equipment to determine conformity to engineering drawings.Work on parts of unusual complexity requiring exacting tolerances.Obtain work package as delivered to work station, as assigned by area lead/supervisor.Review Work Order (W/O) to determine work to be performed, verify that prior operations have been completed and ensure that the correct type and quantity of parts/material were issued.Select machine accessories and holding devises (e. g., jaws, ram heads, blocks, shims). Verify that apparatus is in good condition.Separate dies, as required, using appropriate handling equipment (e. g., pry bar, hoist). Load proper forming die on press per W/O.Secure standard tool pins and mounting bolts in place using hand tools, align and make appropriate adjustments per set up cards and/or tooling usage instructions.Set up press cycle using manual power switch to adjust Random Access Memory (RAM) (e. g., speed of travel, pressure, stops), as required.Use check fixture and/or precision measuring tools to check part periphery and/or dimensions, as required.Check work to ensure parts are complete per W/O, tool and/or drawing and that there are no visible defects.
   BASIC REQUIREMENTS:High school diploma or a GED equivalent At least two years of experience in forming
   PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Ability to comprehend blueprints and work specifications Preferred aerospace industry experience Knowledge and experience using various kinds of hand-held power tools.Knowledge and experience in setting and using precision measuring tools and equipment (i. e. micrometers, calipers and/or dial indicators.
   ITAR Requirement
   This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, permanent residents, asylees, and refugees) is a required qualification for this position.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer
   We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right forming press 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 forming press operator job on Zippia to find and recruit forming press operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting forming press operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to 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 forming press operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect forming press 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 important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is 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.)

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