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Header Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln Electric

Brazer

Carthage, TN

... Header Join the manufacturing team people don't want to leave. Work where you're valued - low ... safety rules, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Lincoln Electric

Brazer

Carthage, TN · On-site

... Header Join the manufacturing team people don't want to leave. Work where you're valued - low ... safety rules, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Lincoln Electric

Brazer

Carthage, TN

... Header Join the manufacturing team people don't want to leave. Work where you're valued - low ... safety rules, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

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All JobsHeader Operator JobsHeader Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Header Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$20

$31

How much do header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for header operator in Tennessee is $20.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Header Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Header Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Header Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Header Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Header Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Header Operator jobs in TN? For Header Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Header Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Header Operator job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,044 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Brazer-Header-3rd Shift

Brazer-Header-3rd Shift

Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.

Dayton, TN

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Baltimore Aircoil Company rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

324th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

COMPETENCIES

The Brazer is a member of the coil manufacturing team and is responsible for following standard work to assemble a wide variety of coil units in a safe manner. The Brazer works as member of the larger plant assembly team and may flex to any of the departments or workstations as volume dictates. The employee demonstrates BAC’s values of Earning Trust, Embracing Responsibility, Showing Courage, and Driving Innovation, and is committed to achieving technical expertise in their department. The purpose for every position at BAC regardless of department or level can be summed up as doing the right thing in the right way.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

  • The Brazer / Operator will be responsible for Braze (bond) together copper components using single- and dual-tip oxy-fuel torches to assist with final assembly coil.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Read and interpret blueprints and dimensional drawings
  • Braze (bond) together copper components using single- and dual-tip oxy-fuel torches
  • Guide torch and rod along joint of work pieces to heat to brazing temperature, melt braze alloy, and bond work pieces together
  • Clean joints of work pieces, as directed
  • Examine parts and re-braze defective joints
  • Connect hoses from torch to regulator valves
  • Melt and separate brazed joints to remove and straighten damaged or misaligned components, using hand torch
  • Select torch tip, flux, and brazing alloy from data charts or work order
  • Understand all measurement equipment used in department (caliper,
  • micrometers, protractor, tape measure etc.)
  • Basic math skills
  • Utilize standard work to assemble mechanical support assemblies in a safe and quality conscious manner eliminating risk of damage.
  • Meet daily production goals as assigned.
  • Assist with the replenishment and organization of the work area.
  • Follow all safety requirements regarding tools and PPE.
  • Maintains and sustain 5’s in the department.
  • Actively acquire skills and ability to support the highest quality standards.
  • Flex to other areas as needed demonstrating teamwork and a commitment to team success
  • Perform all other tasks as directed by the supervisor.
  • Other duties as assigned

Experience:

Six (6) Months of related experience – Brazing / Welding /using single- and dual-tip oxy-fuel torches

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk up to 50% of the time. Working conditions include those of a normal construction environment, as well as standard hazards associated with installed HVAC equipment and rotating equipment. This position requires occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.

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