1

Cold Heading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cold Heading Operator

Romulus, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

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

Cold Header

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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°-1100° ...

JOB SUMMARY The Cold Heading Operator performs various skilled and complex tasks in running and maintaining production equipment to meet the everyday needs of our customers. The Machine Operator ...

Header Operator

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Set up and operate cold heading machines to manufacture precision fasteners and components. * Install and adjust dies, punches, tooling, and related machine components. * Read and interpret ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Cold Heading information

See salary details

$16

$28

$51

How much do cold heading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

More about Cold Heading jobs

What cities are hiring for Cold Heading jobs?

Cities with the most Cold Heading job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cold Heading jobs?

The most popular types of Cold Heading jobs are:

What states have the most Cold Heading jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cold Heading jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cold Heading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 59% Physical, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,731 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

1st Shift Cold Header Operator

Optimas Solutions

Wood Dale, IL • On-site

$22 - $39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description
Cold Header Operator
About Optimas:
Optimas is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions, and engineering support focused on delivering fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies to our diverse customers around the world. Our local, on-the-ground teams understand the nuances of every community we serve. This allows us to adapt with our customers and partners as needs evolve, leveraging our footprint to remain at your side while providing a highly personalized level of service and support no matter where you find yourself around the globe.
Our Values are the THREAD that connects us as one team to ensure that we are accountable for our contributions to the success of our company and customers:
  • Teamwork
  • Honesty
  • Respect
  • Excellence
  • Accountability
  • Drive

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.optimas.com
Position overview:
Cold header operators will have the opportunity to be part of a team responsible for running cold heading machines and producing parts for the heavy truck, automotive, and many other markets, working for an industry leading global distributor and manufacturer of fasteners and other components.
Main responsibilities:
  • Read and understand blueprints.
  • Review and validate materials (wire grade, diameter)
  • Set up, troubleshoot, and operate cold heading machines.
  • Use machine controls, SPC & process monitoring systems.
  • Use basic measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and other gages to check dimensional and attribute characteristics of headed blanks.
  • Maintain quality records and other necessary forms and documentation.
  • Follow instructions and directions from supervisors, team leaders.
  • Good housekeeping of equipment, work area, and other assigned areas
  • Perform daily and weekly machine maintenance to keep equipment in optimal working condition.

Key Competencies:
The ideal candidate must have the following competencies:
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Attention to detail.
  • Organizational skills
  • Results driven
  • Communication skills - written and verbal
  • Working as part of a team
  • Problem solving
  • Basic ability to use computer programs

Skills and Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 3+ years relevant experience required - cold heading.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand for 8-10 hours /day.

Compensation:
At Optimas we believe in having a competitive compensation scheme to motivate and retain our employees. More information will be given throughout the process.
Optimas OE Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Optimas OE Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.