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Heading Operator Jobs in Davis, IL (NOW HIRING)

Heading Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Monday-Friday 1:30pm-10:30pm with some possible OT Position Summary There are a variety of cold heading machines but typically for Fastener manufacturing you will see One Die Two Blow up to Four die ...

Monday-Friday 1:30pm-10:30pm with some possible OT Position Summary There are a variety of cold heading machines but typically for Fastener manufacturing you will see One Die Two Blow up to Four die ...

... heading, secondary operations, and customer-specific standards. Key Responsibilities: Quality ... Train and guide operators on basic inspection methods and quality expectations. Quality Management ...

Heading Operator information

See Davis, IL salary details

$12

$24

$29

How much do heading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for heading operator in Davis, IL is $24.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.53 and $26.92 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.

What cities near Davis, IL are hiring for Heading Operator jobs?

Cities near Davis, IL with the most Heading Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Heading Operator job openings in Davis, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,981 per year, or $25 per hour.

Heading Operator

Rocknel Fastener Inc

Rockford, IL • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Other

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


Job description

We are looking for 3-7 years experience with set-up ability

Hourly range: $25-$35/hour

Hours: Monday-Friday 1:30pm-10:30pm with some possible OT

Position Summary

There are a variety of cold heading machines but typically for Fastener manufacturing you will see One Die Two Blow up to Four die 4 Blow. Multi-Die headers allow for more complex parts to be formed as part of one process due to the above limitations of diameter ratio reductions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment to detect or assess problems.

  • Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Review operations and confer with Supervisor to resolve production or processing problems.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials.

  • Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.

  • Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as Calipers, micrometers, Length Gage.

  • Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.

  • Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products

  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a set of analyzing and problem solving techniques targeted at identifying the actual root cause or the reason that caused the problem.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

  • Preferred heading experience in a Fastener Industry.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Remain calm in stressful situations
  • Prioritize, Organize, and accomplish work efficiently
  • IATF 16949 knowledge.
  • Move quickly from task to task with minimal errors and/or omissions
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials
  • Knowledge of Basic Maintenance of Heading
  • Tools – Read Calipers, Micrometers and Blue Prints.
  • Always follow all OSHA and company safety guidelines.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is required in designated areas.
  • Ability to continuously stand and move through 8–10-hour shifts.
  • 100% onsite. One work location.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.