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Header Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Header Machinist ' 2nd shift Position Overview: As a Header Machinist you'll be part of our team ... best operating conditions, including replacing worn fasteners, machine parts or tooling. May be ...

Header Machinist ' 2nd shift Position Overview: As a Header Machinist you'll be part of our team ... best operating conditions, including replacing worn fasteners, machine parts or tooling. May be ...

Header Machinist ' 2nd shift Position Overview: As a Header Machinist you'll be part of our team ... best operating conditions, including replacing worn fasteners, machine parts or tooling. May be ...

Operator IV

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

... var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid ... We are currently seeking an experienced CNC Operator IV to join our growing production team. If you ...

The Machine Operators responsibility is, to load and run parts in CNC machines, including computer ... Please email your resume or job history to email provided in header. Suitable candidates will be ...

The Machine Operator's responsibility is, to load and run parts in CNC machines, including computer ... Please email your resume or job history to email provided in header. Suitable candidates will be ...

2nd Shift Machine Operator

Novato, CA

$20 - $24.25/hr

The Machine Operator's responsibility is, to load and run parts in CNC machines, including computer ... Please email your resume or job history to email provided in header. Suitable candidates will be ...

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Header Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$34

How much do header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for header operator in California is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Header Operator?

A header operator is a metalworking professional that operates a cold heading machine. Heading is a process that includes forging, extruding and upsetting in one, allowing you to expedite the production of products like bolts, screws, and lug nuts. Your duties as a header operator include loading the materials into the machine and conducting the proper ratioing process, ensuring that the final product is not victim to buckling. Diameter ratio is generally consistent at 3:1, but you must be able to adapt to different situations, changing the ratio when necessary. Header operator is a more advanced position that requires machinery skills. While there are no post-secondary academic qualifications, it’s essential to have several years of metalworking experience before transitioning to a header operator career.

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

To thrive as a Header Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, familiarity with manufacturing processes, and often a high school diploma or technical training. Experience with industrial machinery, quality control systems, and sometimes certifications in equipment operation or safety are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators excel in monitoring production and addressing issues quickly. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Header Operators and how can they be addressed?

Header Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining the precision of machinery, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and meeting production deadlines. Staying proactive with regular maintenance and closely following operational procedures can help minimize downtime. Collaborating effectively with maintenance teams and supervisors is vital for quickly resolving issues, while ongoing training ensures operators stay updated on best practices and safety protocols. These strategies help boost productivity and reduce the risk of workplace incidents.

What are Header Operators?

Header Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and maintaining machines that manufacture metal headers, which are components used in fasteners like bolts and screws. They set up the machinery, monitor production processes, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot any issues to ensure products meet specifications. Header Operators play a key role in metalworking and manufacturing industries, contributing to efficient production lines and high-quality output.

What is the difference between Header Operator vs Pipefitter?

AspectHeader OperatorPipefitter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesConstruction sites, industrial plants, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageCommon in oil and gas, manufacturing, and processing industriesCommon in construction, industrial maintenance, and plumbing

The Header Operator primarily focuses on operating and maintaining header systems in industrial settings, often requiring specific certifications and working in manufacturing or processing plants. Pipefitters, on the other hand, specialize in installing and repairing piping systems, working mainly on construction sites or industrial facilities. While both roles require technical skills and safety training, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Header Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Header Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Header Operator jobs in CA? For Header Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Heading Machinist - 2nd Shift

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 155 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California.  We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we're the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 3-5 years of operation experience with CNC Lathes (Twins).
  • Ability to set-up a CNC lathe (including work holding, kitting of tools, touching off of tools/establishing offsets, reading of manufacturing drawings, and first article buy-off) on FANUC controls
  • Experience with utilizing a pre-setter off line for tool offsets.
  • Experience with quick change tooling.
  • Experience with macro programming and Mastercam or other major programming software.
  • Knowledge of basic measuring tools, calipers, micrometers,  comparators and math required
  • Solid understanding of GD&T with ability to read and interpret drawing requirements.
  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Salary Range: $30.00-40.00/hr + Shift Differential and eligibility for annual bonuses

Shift: Heading Machinist ' 2nd Shift

 

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will have the ability to set-up and operate two cold heading machines. While operating the machine the operator will follow the quality policy and production standards of CAM Fasteners.

 

Key Responsibilities:

'         Practices and trains operators to work safely.

'         Demonstrates the ability to set up, operate and troubleshoot cold heading machines.

'         Practices and trains operators to produce quality products utilizing Manufacturing drawings, process control documents, training materials, and departmental work instructions.

'         Practices and trains operators to efficiently and effectively maximize the output of the production equipment.

'         Demonstrates the ability to respectively and effectively communicate with operators, supervision and support teams.

'         Demonstrates the safe use of all shop support equipment necessary to prepare or modify tooling to produce products meeting the customer expectations.

'         Practices and trains operators to utilize all internal forms of measuring devices, such as micrometers, calipers, gages, etc.

'         Evaluates and communicates machine conditions and/or concerns to both maintenance and supervision.

'         Practices and trains operators to keep machines in best operating conditions, including replacing worn fasteners, machine parts or tooling.

'         Works with minimal supervision to independently perform the job of Set-up Header Operator.

'         Sets and operates cold heading machines, as required by demand or direction of supervision.

'         Efficiently produces quality products that meet all expectations.

'         Maintains the entire workplace in a safe, clean operating condition on a daily basis.

'         Communicates all pertinent and/or necessary information to fellow employees.

'         Gathers materials for production such as: part drawings, tool drawings, production schedules, production requirements, production reports, etc.

'         Reports production and set-up in the K-Lite production tracking system

Detects and reports faulty machine and/or equipment conditions, material anomalies, part / tool drawing discrepancies or other unusual shop floor activities.


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About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888