Cold Header Operator

City of Altoona, PA; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Altoona, PA is seeking a mechanically inclined Cold Header Operator to operate and monitor cold header machines, set up tooling, and ensure production meets specifications.

You will read blueprints, perform in-process inspections with micrometers and calipers, and document production in ERP. The role requires 1-3 years of machine operation experience and overtime is required to support production demands. Safety and 5S/lean practices are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-3 years of experience operating header or cold-forming machines.
• Experience in rivet or fastener production preferred.
• Overtime as needed to support production.

Responsibilities

• Operate header machines used in cold-forming process to produce fasteners.
• Load material and adjust feeds, dies, punches for optimal performance.
• Read blueprints or job travelers to determine settings.
• Conduct in-process inspections with precision instruments.
• Monitor operation and perform basic troubleshooting to maintain flow.
• Perform routine maintenance like lubrication and tool changes.
• Document production output, downtime and quality checks in ERP.
• Adhere to safety rules including Lockout/Tagout and PPE.
• Maintain 5S and lean manufacturing practices on the workstation.
• Weld raw material coils of steel and load coil material into drawing equipment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Machine operation

Cold-forming

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Are you the person who's always fixing things, working on cars, tinkering with equipment, or figuring out how machines work? We're looking for a **mechanically inclined problem solver** to join our team as a **Cold Header Operator**. This is more than simply pushing buttons. We need someone who enjoys troubleshooting, making adjustments, performing tool changes, and keeping production equipment operating efficiently.

• **DIRECT HIRE Opportunity**
• Full-Time Position
• Rotating Shift
• Competitive Pay & Benefits
• Long-Term Career Growth
• What You'll Do:** ?? Operate and monitor cold header machines
• Set up and adjust tooling, dies, and machine components
• Troubleshoot equipment and production issues
• Perform quality inspections using precision measuring tools
• Complete production and quality documentation in ERP systems
• Assist with tool changes and preventative maintenance
• Load and weld raw material coils
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean work area
• We're Looking For Someone Who:** ? Likes working with their hands
• Is mechanically inclined
• Enjoys troubleshooting and solving problems
• Has manufacturing or machine operation experience (preferred)
• Can read measurements and use basic measuring tools
• Is dependable and willing to learn

If you're the type of person who enjoys turning wrenches, working on machinery, or figuring out how things work, we want to hear from you!

Responsible for operating and monitoring cold header machines to produce metal fasteners that meet precise dimensional and quality specifications. This role ensures efficient machine operation, timely production output, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate header machines used in the cold-forming process of manufacturing fasteners
• Load wire or raw material into machines, adjusting feed rates, dies, punches, and headers for optimal performance
• Read and interpret blueprints, part drawings, or job travelers to determine machine settings and part specifications
• Conduct in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring instruments
• Monitor machine operation, identify issues, and perform basic troubleshooting to maintain production flow
• Perform routine maintenance tasks such as lubrication, cleaning, and tool changes
• Document production output, downtime, and quality checks accurately and in a timely manner
• Adhere to all company safety rules and protocols including Lockout/Tagout and PPE requirements
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation in accordance with 5S and lean manufacturing principles
• Moves parts from shop floor to weigh scale
• Records SPC and completes check sheets in ERP system
• Records production in ERP system
• Performs basic tool changes with assistance
• Weld raw material coils of steel.
• Point and load coil raw material into wire drawing equipment
• Follows all safety and operating rules, guidelines and applicable work instructions

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 1-3 years of experience operating header or cold-forming machines in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in rivet or fastener production strongly preferred
• Must be available to work overtime as needed to support production demands and business needs

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and industrial lubricants
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)