Erlanger, KY · On-site
$71K - $91K/yr
Preferred Qualifications Experience with cold forming processes such as heading, stamping, or forging. Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and manufacturing standards. Experience using ...
Erlanger, KY · On-site
$71K - $91K/yr
Preferred Qualifications Experience with cold forming processes such as heading, stamping, or forging. Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and manufacturing standards. Experience using ...
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.
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.
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.
For Cold Heading jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
The top searched job categories for Cold Heading jobs in Kentucky are:
$71K - $91K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted 8 days ago
Job Description Production Quality Engineer Setting/Hours: 100% In-Office | First Shift Join trak group in partnering with a growing client in Erlanger, Kentucky that's expanding its Manufacturing team. Position Summary We are seeking a Quality Engineer to lead process quality initiatives and drive continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to develop quality systems, improve process capability, reduce defects, and ensure products consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with strong analytical skills, experience with statistical quality tools, and a passion for process improvement. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement in-process inspection plans and quality control strategies to ensure consistent product quality. Establish process control methods to monitor production performance, process capability, and quality stability.
Define and monitor critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics throughout manufacturing processes. Conduct process audits to ensure compliance with quality standards, work instructions, and manufacturing procedures. Lead investigations into product and process quality issues using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
Develop, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to reduce scrap, rework, and process variation. Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to improve process capability, tooling, and overall product quality. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.
Develop and maintain quality documentation, including work instructions, inspection procedures, and process standards. Analyze quality data, identify trends, and communicate key performance metrics to leadership. Create dashboards and visual management tools to monitor shop floor quality performance.
Support new product introductions and process transfers through quality planning, validation, and process readiness activities. Train production personnel on quality standards, inspection methods, and best practices. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience in a quality or process engineering role. Experience using statistical quality tools, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement System Analysis (MSA). Strong knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies and root cause analysis techniques.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications Experience with cold forming processes such as heading, stamping, or forging. Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and manufacturing standards. Experience using CMMs, vision inspection systems, gauges, and precision measurement equipment.
Familiarity with manufacturing process validation and new product introduction activities. Ideal Candidate Profile Analytical, data-driven professional with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement. Hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing and process challenges.
Detail-oriented individual committed to improving product quality and operational performance. Collaborative team player who works effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Production teams. Self-motivated professional with a proactive approach to driving process improvements and achieving measurable results.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want to make an impact, partner with trak group to explore this opportunity.