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Cold Header Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PennEngineering

Cold Header (2nd/3rd shift)

Romulus, MI · 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 ...

PennEngineering

Cold Header (2nd/3rd shift)

Romulus, MI · 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 ...

MS AEROSPACE INC

Cold Heading Operator

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $55/hr

Cold Heading Operator Department : SHOP Department/ Area: Cold Heading Position Summary: Candidates ... Candidate will be working on a powerful cold header machine to run batches of high strength bolts ...

fontana

Header Operator I

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

... header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the skills necessary to maintain ... Operating understanding of cold heading machines. * Set up and operate Formax 34's, 44's, 54'

fontana

Header Operator III

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

... header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the skills necessary to maintain ... Operating understanding of cold heading machines. * Set up and operate Formax 34's, 44's, 54'

Fontana

Header Operator III

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

... header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the skills necessary to maintain ... Operating understanding of cold heading machines. * Set up and operate Formax 34's, 44's, 54'

Fontana

Header Operator I

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

... header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the skills necessary to maintain ... Operating understanding of cold heading machines. * Set up and operate Formax 34's, 44's, 54'

Fontana

Header Operator III

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

... header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the skills necessary to maintain ... Operating understanding of cold heading machines. * Set up and operate Formax 34's, 44's, 54'

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Cold Header Operator information

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$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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Cold Header Operator jobs near you
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 (2nd/3rd shift)

PennEngineering

Romulus, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Basic Purpose and Objective:
  • Sets up and operate single or a multiple station die forming machine, thread roller (stand alone or integrated on former), perform dimensional inspection on tooling and formed product, and perform SPC zone control on all processes by performing the following duties.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Read job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements
  • Set stops or guides to specified length as indicated by scale, rule, or template
  • Position dies, transfers fingers, thread dies into the machine against stops and/or align tooling to specified positions
  • Make the necessary machine adjustments to form the product within specification and problem solves the situation to determine corrective action if needed
  • Operate all machines as required to manufacture the product to specified tolerances
  • Observes machine operation to detect a work piece defect or machine malfunction with the uses of integrated load monitors and SPC zone control techniques
  • Measures work piece dimensions to determine accuracy of machine operation
  • Help design tooling with the assistance of the engineer
  • Performs minor machine maintenance such as oiling some machines, changing dies, or replacing light machine component
  • Perform research and development tasks to develop new cold form products
  • Set up machines, and stack, mark, pack, and transport finished the product with Hi-Lo, weigh out and tag formed the product

Safety:
  • Follow all safety requirements to avoid injury to self and fellow employees
  • Create and maintain a safe work environment; repair and/or report non-conformances to company safety policies and guidelines
  • Perform the necessary safety requirements to avoid injury to self and fellow employees
  • Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment
  • Housekeeping/6S

Work Environment:
  • Un-airconditioned, well ventilated manufacturing facility

Physical Demands:
  • Able to regularly walk and stand for 10 hours a day
  • Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds from time to time
  • Must be able to work in an un-air conditioned, well ventilated and/or air-conditioned shop environment
  • Visual acuity for detailed work
  • Manual dexterity
  • Mechanical ability
  • Able to bend, twist, and squat in sometimes awkward positions for prolonged periods of time while exerting force (pushing or pulling) on hand tools to adjust machine

Education and Experience Required:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5- 15 years of Header experience

Position Type/Expectations of Working Hours:
  • Full time position
  • Regularly scheduled to work 10 hours a day
  • Must be able to work Monday - Saturday

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