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Cold Header Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cold Header Operator

Utica, MI ยท On-site

$20 - $28/hr

About the role of a Cold Header Operator : Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific ...

About the role of a Cold Header Operator : Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific ...

Cold Header Operator

Utica, MI ยท On-site

$20 - $28/hr

About the role of a Cold Header Operator : Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific ...

Cold Header

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

A Cold Header Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining cold heading machines to produce metal parts, ensuring quality and efficiency in the manufacturing process. This position starts ...

Cold Header

Romulus, MI ยท On-site

Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment * Housekeeping/6S Work ... High school diploma or GED * 5- 15 years of Header experience Position Type/Expectations of Working ...

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Cold Header Operator information

See salary details

$16

$28

$51

How much do cold header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cold header operator in the United States is $28.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Cold Header Operator might face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Cold Header Operators often encounter challenges such as handling machine malfunctions, maintaining tight tolerances for fastener specifications, and working efficiently under production deadlines. Addressing these issues typically involves strong attention to detail, routine machine maintenance, and clear communication with team members and supervisors. Operators can benefit from ongoing training to stay current with equipment upgrades and best practices for safety and productivity, which helps reduce downtime and ensures high-quality output.

What is the difference between Cold Header Operator vs Cold Header Machinist?

AspectCold Header OperatorCold Header Machinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in cold header machinesHigh school diploma, machining certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating cold header machinesMachine shop, setting up and maintaining cold header equipment
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, and appliance manufacturingMetalworking, manufacturing, and tooling industries

The Cold Header Operator primarily focuses on operating cold header machines to produce metal parts, while the Cold Header Machinist is involved in setting up, maintaining, and repairing these machines. Both roles require similar certifications and work in manufacturing environments, but the operator role is more machine-focused, whereas the machinist role involves more technical setup and maintenance tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cold Header Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cold Header Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, understanding of manufacturing processes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of cold heading machines, basic measuring tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety procedures is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient production, high-quality output, and a safe work environment in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

What is a Cold Header Operator?

A Cold Header Operator is a skilled manufacturing professional who operates machines that form metal parts, such as bolts, screws, and rivets, through a process called cold heading. This process involves shaping metal at room temperature using high-pressure dies and punches, rather than heating the metal. Cold Header Operators are responsible for setting up the machines, monitoring production, inspecting finished parts for quality, and performing routine maintenance on the equipment. Their role is essential in producing fasteners and other metal components used in various industries, including automotive and construction.
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Infographic showing various Cold Header Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,731 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Cold Header Operator

Cold Header Operator

MNP

Utica, MI โ€ข On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Schedule: 2nd shift 3:15 PM to 1:15 AM, Mon - Thu, Fri & Sat as needed
About us: MNP is an award-winning fastener manufacturer specializing in diameters from M3 to M24. Established in 1970, it is a family-owned business with core values of Humility, Integrity, Trust, Compassion and Dedication. MNP controls the complete manufacturing process from the annealing of the raw coiled steel through heading, rolling, heat treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams yet work without constant supervision. MNP seeks to promote from within and offers training and development at all levels of the organization; 75% of all leadership positions are held by employees who were promoted from within.
About the role of a Cold Header Operator: Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific cold heading equipment. Experienced bolt makers will have 2 years of experience setting up and running Nedschroef, Sacma, or National equipment. Experienced cold header or header operators will have 2 years of experience setting up and running Formax, Nationals, Nedschroef, Sacma, Asahi Sunac, or Chun Zu equipment. Experienced thread roller or roller operators will have 2 years of experience setting up and running Hartford, Saspi, EWmenn, or Formax equipment. MNP specializes in diameters from M3 to M24.
Responsibilities of a Cold Header Operator:
Learn MNP's processes and work instructions
Set up and operate assigned equipment
Produce assigned parts in accordance with production standards
Check parts and record findings per work instructions and SOPs
Complete required paperwork
Enter information into the computer as instructed
Record the number of parts produced, and document any problems with the equipment
Communicate with leads, supervisors, preventive maintenance, and other personnel
Assist maintenance with understanding issues with equipment
Participate in 5S housekeeping
Work in a safe manner and follow all safety procedures
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Additional skills and/or experience required for success in the role of a Cold Header Operator:
Good computer skills
Mechanically inclined; good with hand tools
Good communication skills
Dependable; excellent attendance record
Quality-focused; takes pride in their work.
Team player; able to work well with others.
Accountable; able to work without constant supervision.
Learner - able to take instruction.
Helper - able to give instruction; willing to help others.
Able to read job instructions and complete required paperwork
Able to stand, walk, bend, push, pull, lift, kneel, and sit frequently throughout the day
Able to climb up and down stairs
Able to work in an environment that is oily, dusty, noisy, grimy, and sometimes smoky, with extremely warm temperatures
Benefits of a Cold Header Operator: Along with competitive pay, MNP offers employees BCBS medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life insurance, life insurance, flexible spending account, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) and 401(k) match, discretionary profit-sharing. Aflac products are also available. Benefits listed here are optional and have a waiting period. Additional benefits include a health clinic (onsite in Utica) for employees and their families; optional employee wellness activities include managing and tracking diabetes, blood pressure, and weight control; onsite, personalized retirement counseling; employee referral bonuses and employment of friends and families; access to tickets for Jimmy John's Field; volunteer opportunities include Gleaners, Suite Dreams, Veterans Support activities, Blessings in a Backpack, food and clothing drives, and others; employee recognition includes anniversaries, birthdays, and special events; employee discounts on autos, cell phones, and others; employee social activities include Detroit Tigers opening day, Fat Tuesday, ice cream/popsicles, picnics, team meetings, team outings, one-on-one with the president, and many more.
This job description is not intended to be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the company. We are an equal opportunity employer and a second chance employer. We give consideration for employment to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and any other related State or Federal protected classes or characteristics.
Additional skills and/or experience required for success in the role:
Able to pass a pre-employment, post-offer physical, drug screen
Able to pass a background check