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Heading Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cold Heading Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$38K - $62K/yr

Cold Heading Operator (3rd Shift) Location: Plymouth, MI Industry: Manufacturing / Fasteners / Metal Forming Job Category: Machine Operations / Skilled Trades Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite. Shift: 3rd ...

Cold-Heading Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

55+ year established fastener manufacturer and distributor seeks and experienced Cold Heading Machine Operator. Duties Include: * Set up and operate cold heading machines and other equipment in the ...

Cold Heading Operator M.S. Aerospace Inc. (MSA) is an aerospace manufacturer of high strength specialty fasteners, including bolts, screws, studs, and pins. Our products are of the highest quality ...

Cold Heading Operator M.S. Aerospace Inc. (MSA) is an aerospace manufacturer of high strength specialty fasteners, including bolts, screws, studs, and pins. Our products are of the highest quality ...

Cold Heading Operator

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $55/hr

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° ...

Cold Heading Operator Reports to: Department Supervisor Department: Cold Heading Classification: Hourly Division: Manufacturing Date: 07/18/2025 Shift: 2nd and 3rd JOB SUMMARY: Operators are ...

Cold Heading Operator

Romulus, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment * Housekeeping/6S Required Qualifications * High school diploma or GED * 5- 15 years of Header experience Skills ...

Howmet Aerospace has an opening for a Blind Bolt Pin Heading Operator 2nd Shift in our Tucson, AZ location. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading ...

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Heading Operator information

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$12

$25

$30

How much do heading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for heading operator in the United States is $25.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heading operator?

A Heading Operator is a skilled worker who operates machines designed to form the heads of fasteners such as bolts, screws, and rivets, typically by using a cold or hot forming process. They are responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining heading machines to ensure products meet precise specifications. Heading Operators monitor the production process, inspect finished parts, and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency. They also follow safety protocols and may troubleshoot equipment issues as needed.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a heading operator?

To thrive as a Heading Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience in operating and maintaining heading machines, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, basic computer systems for process monitoring, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout operators apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient production and help minimize downtime in manufacturing environments.

What challenges might a heading operator face, and how can they be managed?

Heading Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise machine settings, handling unexpected equipment malfunctions, and meeting production quotas under tight deadlines. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong attention to detail, quick troubleshooting skills, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Continuous training and close adherence to safety protocols are also essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring high-quality output.

What is the difference between Heading Operator vs Cutting Machine Operator?

AspectHeading OperatorCutting Machine Operator
Primary RoleOperates machinery to shape metal or other materials by creating precise bends and formsOperates machines to cut, trim, or shape materials like metal, wood, or fabric
Required SkillsKnowledge of metal properties, blueprint reading, machine operationMaterial handling, machine setup, measurement accuracy
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, metalworking shopsFactories, manufacturing, woodworking, textiles
Common CertificationsMachinery operation certifications, safety trainingMachine operation certifications, safety standards

Both Heading Operators and Cutting Machine Operators work in manufacturing environments, operating specialized machinery. While Heading Operators focus on shaping metal through bending and forming, Cutting Machine Operators handle cutting and trimming tasks. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and industry needs.

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What cities are hiring for Heading Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Heading Operator job openings:

What states have the most Heading Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Heading Operator jobs?

For Heading Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Heading Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,934 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Heading Operator (Lead)

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Precision Castparts
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Precision Castparts rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Heading Operator (Lead)

Heading Operator (Lead)

This is the job description for the Heading Operator (Lead) position. The main content focuses on the job title and description, formatted in a clean and consistent manner across our platform.


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About Precision Castparts

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability - not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

Industry

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1953

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