Cold Header Operator

Austincc; Altoona, Northern (PA, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Austincc is seeking a mechanically inclined Cold Header Operator to join our manufacturing team in Pennsylvania. This role focuses on operating and monitoring cold header machines to produce metal fasteners meeting tight specs.

You will read blueprints, perform tool changes, and troubleshoot to keep production running safely and efficiently. Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, 1–3 years of header or cold-forming experience preferred, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing or machine operation experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills required.
• Fastener, rivet, or cold-forming experience is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor cold header machines.
• Perform tool changes and machine adjustments.
• Troubleshoot production issues.
• Read blueprints and part drawings.
• Use precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers.
• Help maintain quality, safety, and production standards.
• Weld and load raw material coils as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Job description

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Do you love working with your hands? Enjoy fixing things, troubleshooting equipment, and figuring out how machines work?

We're looking for a mechanically inclined individual to join our manufacturing team as a Cold Header Operator. This isn't just a "push buttons and watch a machine" position. We need someone who likes to wrench, tinker, troubleshoot, and keep equipment running at peak performance.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor cold header machines
• Perform tool changes and machine adjustments
• Troubleshoot production issues
• Read blueprints and part drawings
• Use precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers
• Help maintain quality, safety, and production standards
• Weld and load raw material coils as needed

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Manufacturing or machine operation experience preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills required
• Fastener, rivet, or cold-forming experience is a plus
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a manufacturing environment

If you're the type of person who takes things apart to see how they work, enjoys working on cars, equipment, engines, or machinery, we'd love to talk to 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)