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Header Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Verify the information on the work order header is correct such as BOM part numbers, quantities ... Operated warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks safely and efficiently to assist in ...

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Verify the information on the work order header is correct such as BOM part numbers, quantities ... Operated warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks safely and efficiently to assist in ...

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Showing results 21-40

Header Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$20

$31

How much do header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Header Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,044 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


A. O. Smith rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

366th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

This position will be responsible for picking items from inventory based on customer orders in the Service Parts-UPS area.

Responsibilities
  • Follow general safe work practices and job-specific safety rules and regulations.
  • Coordinate the parts requests, work order verification, assembly and delivery of the service items, including sequence of service order assembly based on the demand due date.
  • Verify the information on the work order header is correct such as BOM part numbers, quantities, and consuming locations and initiate BOM Change Request Forms to correct necessary BOM issues before scanning of the work order.
  • Coordinate the requests for purchased or manufactured parts per the work orders for service items.
  • Complete assembly of the service components per the instruction, drawing and quality standards.
  • Inspect components for fit, form and function per defined procedures.
  • Assist other team members with their operations as requested by the supervisor.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Maintain quality and quantity of work by following all process and procedures as well as timely reporting of production to the leader or supervisor.
  • Maintain inventory control of raw materials in the area.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Order fulfillment: Accurately pick items from inventory based on customer orders, ensuring the correct products and quantities are selected to meet shipping deadlines.
  • Quality Control: inspect products for defects or damages before packing to ensure they meet quality standards.
  • Packing Procedures: Securely pack items using appropriate materials to prevent damage during transit, and label packages accurately for delivery.
  • Inventory management: maintain accurate inventory records by tracking items picked and packed, reporting discrepancies, and assisting with regular inventory audits.
  • Safety compliance: adhere to safety protocols and best practices in the workplace, including proper lifting technique and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Equipment operation: Operated warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks safely and efficiently to assist in the picking and packing process.

Team Collaboration: working closely with team members and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow and address any issues that may arise during the picking and packing process

Qualifications
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Measurement/mathematical skills
  • Basic computer knowledge and ability to use electronic information.
  • Ability to work independently or on a team
  • Ability to multi-task and problem solve.
Education
High School Diploma or GED
Physical Requirements
  • Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as steel-toe shoes/boots, ear and eye protection.  
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • The employee frequently is required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
  • The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds overhead and maneuver various parts weighting up to 50 lbs.
  • Use of wrenching, impacting, and/or vibrating tools (manual and automatic) is required occasionally for extended periods of time.
We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.


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