Press Operator Trainee

Press Operator Trainee Job Description

Job Title: Press Operator Trainee
Department: Press Room
Reports To: Press Room Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: FSG – Compton Operations, Compton, California

Position Summary

Founded in 1968, Continental Forge Company developed a reputation for precision aluminum forgings and machined components serving military and commercial aerospace customers. Continental Forge joined Forged Solutions Group (FSG) in December 2022 and now operates as FSG – Compton Operations.

We are seeking a Press Operator Trainee to learn the safe setup and operation of hydraulic presses used to bend, straighten, stretch, and forge aluminum parts. Under direct supervision, the trainee assists with press room work while developing the skills needed to prepare dies and materials, follow job instructions, monitor forging operations, inspect workpieces, and complete production records. Press operation is performed only as assigned and supervised until the trainee is trained and authorized for the equipment and task.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn and follow press room safety rules, work instructions, and quality procedures.
• Observe and assist experienced Press Operators with press setup, including positioning dies and preparing workpieces.
• Learn proper methods for heating dies and materials, monitoring temperatures, and handling hot workpieces.
• Assist with lubricating dies and positioning and removing workpieces using approved methods and equipment.
• Learn the functions of assigned press controls and operate equipment only when directed and supervised by an authorized Press Operator or supervisor.
• Observe how operators monitor forging conditions and identify when equipment, setup, or material concerns must be reported.
• Learn to inspect workpieces for size and visible defects and report findings to the Press Operator or supervisor.
• Learn to complete SPC charts, identify bins or containers, and document completed operations on job travelers.
• Maintain an orderly work area and report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, or quality concerns promptly.
• Participate in assigned training and demonstrate safe, consistent performance before taking on additional responsibilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Prior press operation or forging experience is not required; related manufacturing experience is helpful.
• Ability and willingness to learn equipment operation, safe material handling, and quality requirements.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and communicate questions or concerns promptly.
• Basic math skills and the ability to learn measurements used in production.
• Ability to work safely around moving machinery, ovens, heated dies, and hot aluminum.
• Reliable attendance and willingness to accept instruction and feedback.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position regularly requires standing; frequently requires walking, handling materials, and reaching with the hands and arms; and occasionally requires talking or hearing. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. The role requires close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and extreme heat. Occasional exposure may include wet or humid conditions, airborne particles or fumes, chemicals, outdoor weather, extreme cold, and electrical hazards. The work environment is usually very loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Equal Employment Opportunity: FSG – Compton Operations is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Have you ever worked in a forging environment before that used hydraulic pressed to make parts?

Experience:

• Forging: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person