Cold Heading Operator

Relyans Max.; Lapeer (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Relyans Max. in Michigan is seeking a Cold Heading Operator to safely run cold heading machines, load wire, and adjust settings for quality and throughput.

You will verify dimensions with calipers and micrometers, perform first-piece inspections, maintain 5S housekeeping, and follow ISO 16949/14001 standards. Strong math, reading prints, and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Physically able to lift, bend, stoop, climb, and reach.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Basic mathematics skills to include the use of decimals and fractions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Punctual, reliable, and team-oriented
• Equivalent 6+ months of manufacturing experience OR 1-year experience as a mechanic in any of the following fields – transportation, aviation, naval or agricultural
• Ability to use and analyze micrometers, calipers and all other measuring devices – working knowledge of GD&T
• Ability to read prints

Responsibilities

• Operate cold heading machines according to work instructions; read job and tool cards.
• Perform basic tool changes, teardowns, and cleanups of machines
• Verify part dimensions using calipers, micrometers, optical comparators (shadow graph), and other inspection equipment.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections (hourly SPC checks) to ensure compliance with control plans and customer specifications.
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality, throughput, and scrap targets.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and troubleshoot minor equipment issues and ???
• Follow standardized work, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to scrap reduction, uptime, and efficiency.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance such as lubrication, cleaning, and basic adjustments.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in accordance with 5S expectations.
• Follow all safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE requirements.

Skills

Reading prints

Strong communication

Team oriented

Mathematics basics

Punctual

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Optical comparators

Shadow graph

Job description

Cold Heading Operator

Grade: 3

Reports to: Supervisor, Cold Heading Department: Cold Heading

Classification: Hourly Non-Exempt Division: Manufacturing

Date: 2/10/2026 Approved: Cold Heading Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Operators are responsible for all aspects of safely operating Cold Heading machines. Candidates will load and feed wire, make basic machine adjustments, and ensure all settings are proper to achieve optimal quality and production results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operate cold heading machines (multi-die, single-die, or progressive headers) according to work instructions; read job and tool cards.
• Perform basic tool changes, teardowns, and cleanups of machines
• Verify part dimensions using calipers, micrometers, optical comparators (shadow graph), and other inspection equipment.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections (hourly SPC checks) to ensure compliance with control plans and customer specifications.
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality, throughput, and scrap targets.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and troubleshoot minor equipment issues and ???
• Follow standardized work, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to scrap reduction, uptime, and efficiency.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance such as lubrication, cleaning, and basic adjustments.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in accordance with 5S expectations.
• Follow all safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE requirements.

• Ability to read and understand steel labels and lot control tags.
• Grip and operate various hand tools including electric grinders, bolt cutters, welding units, and wrenches.
• Perform oil changes.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Always work in a safe manner, understanding safety and quality are priority
• Fill out any required paperwork.
• Butt-welding wire
• Use of computer systems
• Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Physically able to lift, bend, stoop, climb, and reach
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Basic mathematics skills to include the use of decimals and fractions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Punctual, reliable, and team-oriented
• Equivalent 6+ months of manufacturing experience OR 1-year experience as a mechanic in any of the following fields – transportation, aviation, naval or agricultural
• Ability to use and analyze micrometers, calipers and all other measuring devices – working knowledge of GD&T
• Ability to read prints

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

• Noise – Laboratory machines.
• Chemicals, oils, acids, sprays, coolants and solvents.
• Noise – heavy machinery – if in plant.
• Noise – vibratory bowls and air feed systems – if in plant.
• Responsible for complying with regulations and standards covered under MISOSHA as well as not damaging, moving, interfering or removed any safety related item that is provided.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and comply with the organization’s Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001 standards.
• Perform job duties in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, including responsible use of energy, chemicals, and materials.
• Follow all environmental procedures, work instructions, and regulatory requirements applicable to the role.
• Promptly report environmental risks, spills, nonconformances, or improvement opportunities to leadership.
• Participate in environmental training and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance environmental performance.
• Follow established procedures for proper handling, storage, and disposal of scrap, chemicals, and regulated materials.
• Support spill prevention, containment, and response practices.
• Operate equipment in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.
• Contribute to initiatives that reduce landfill, improve recycling, and improve resource efficiency.