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Cold Heading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Ascend

Cold Heading Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$38K - $62K/yr

Cold Heading Operator (3rd Shift) Location: Plymouth, MI Industry: Manufacturing / Fasteners / Metal Forming Job Category: Machine Operations / Skilled Trades Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite. Shift: 3rd ...

Komar Screw Corp.

Cold-Heading Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Set up and operate cold heading machines and other equipment in the manufacture of screws per drawing and specifications. * Perform daily maintenance on equipment and keep equipment clean and work ...

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 are required to run batches of high strength bolts at a constant heated temperature of 1000° ...

Kamax

Cold Heading Operator

Lapeer, MI · On-site

Cold Heading Operator Reports to: Department Supervisor Department: Cold Heading Classification: Hourly Division: Manufacturing Date: 03/25/2025 Shift: 2nd and 3rd JOB SUMMARY: Operators are ...

Howmet

Cold Heading Operator 2nd Shift

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Howmet Aerospace has an opening for a Cold Heading Operator 2nd Shift in our Tucson, AZ location. * Set up and operate progressive cold heading machines (Nakashimada, SACMA) based on part ...

MCM Staffing LLC

Cold Header Operator

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$26 - $27/hr

This role is responsible for operating cold heading machines to produce high-volume fasteners and precision components used in the automotive industry. This is a great opportunity for individuals ...

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Cold Heading information

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How much do cold heading jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cold heading 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 is a cold heading?

A Cold Heading job involves operating machinery that shapes metal parts without using heat, typically for manufacturing fasteners like bolts, screws, and rivets. Workers feed metal wire or rods into specialized machines that apply high-pressure forces to form the desired shape. This role requires mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot machine issues. Cold heading is a crucial process in mass production, ensuring strong and precise metal components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in cold heading?

To thrive in Cold Heading, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metalworking or machine operation, often acquired through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with cold heading machines, measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you adapt to production demands and collaborate efficiently with colleagues. These skills ensure high-quality output, minimize machine downtime, and support a safe, efficient manufacturing environment.

What types of products and materials will I typically work with as a cold heading operator?

As a Cold Heading operator, you’ll typically work with metal wire or rods made of materials like steel, brass, or aluminum to produce fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and pins. Your day-to-day tasks involve setting up and running cold heading machines, inspecting finished components, and performing routine maintenance. The fast-paced manufacturing environment often requires collaboration with quality control staff, maintenance teams, and supervisors to ensure products meet specifications. This role provides exposure to a variety of metal-forming techniques, which can lay a solid foundation for advancing into supervisory, quality assurance, or technical specialist roles over time.

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Cold Heading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cold Heading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,731 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Cold Heading Operator

K2 Ascend

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$38K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate SACMA cold heading machines to manufacture fastener components

  • Monitor equipment and production processes to ensure quality and productivity standards

  • Perform quality inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring equipment

Job description

Cold Heading Operator (3rd Shift)


Location: Plymouth, MI

Industry: Manufacturing / Fasteners / Metal Forming

Job Category: Machine Operations / Skilled Trades

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite.

Shift: 3rd shift, 10 PM–6 AM, Monday–Friday


About the Opportunity

A growing fastener manufacturer in Lansing, MI is looking for a motivated Cold Heading Operator to join its production team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong mechanical aptitude who wants to build a long-term career in skilled manufacturing. Previous cold heading experience is preferred, but the company is willing to train the right candidate on SACMA cold heading equipment, quality inspection procedures, tooling, and production standards.

You’ll work closely with shift leadership and experienced operators while developing the skills needed to operate cold heading equipment independently. The strongest candidates will be dependable, mechanically inclined, comfortable learning through hands-on training, and motivated to take on greater technical responsibility over time.

For candidates who demonstrate strong performance and technical ability, there is an opportunity to advance into a fully trained Cold Heading Setup Operator position.

This role operates in an active manufacturing environment with regular exposure to production machinery, noise, oils, and varying temperatures. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced production setting, meeting production deadlines, and responding to changing manufacturing and customer demands.


What You’ll Do

  • Operate SACMA cold heading machines used to manufacture fastener components
  • Monitor equipment and production processes to maintain quality and productivity standards
  • Perform quality inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring equipment
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and work instructions
  • Change tooling and raw materials as required for production
  • Clean and purge machines as needed
  • Identify basic mechanical or production issues and assist with troubleshooting
  • Follow established production procedures and company work methodologies
  • Work closely with shift leaders and production personnel to maintain workflow and job continuity
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards
  • Follow all safety, quality, and production requirements
  • Assist in other production areas when needed
  • Perform additional duties as assigned


Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn industrial machinery
  • Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, drawings, and production instructions
  • Ability to use or learn calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Dependable, organized, and self-motivated
  • Ability to take direction from shift leadership and experienced operators
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a production team
  • Interest in developing a long-term skilled-trades or manufacturing career
  • Good communication skills
  • Reliable transportation
  • Availability to work weekends when required
  • Ability to work under production deadlines and changing manufacturing demands
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to machinery, noise, oils, and varying temperatures
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to regularly bend, stoop, climb, reach, stand, and move throughout the production area



Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience operating cold heading or header equipment
  • Experience with SACMA machinery
  • Previous machine operation, manufacturing, machining, or metal-forming experience
  • Experience using calipers, micrometers, and gauges in a production environment
  • Familiarity with SAP or similar manufacturing or ERP systems
  • Experience performing machine setups, tooling changes, or raw material changes


Benefits

  • Weekly pay
  • BCBS medical coverage
  • Enhanced retirement benefits, including a 401(k) contribution increasing from 3% to 5%
  • Life insurance coverage
  • 9 paid holidays
  • 30-minute paid lunch
  • Additional paid break time
  • Front-loaded ESTA time for eligible employees