Cold Heading Operator Trainee - 2nd Shift

MacLean-Fogg; New Baltimore (MI); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 57,308,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Health Savings Account contributions

Life insurance & short-term disability

Job summary

MacLean-Fogg is hiring a Cold Heading Operator Trainee at our Chesterfield, Michigan facility. You will learn machine operation, perform changes, and support safe, high-quality production with routine maintenance and clear documentation. Overtime and shift changes are possible as you train.

You'll work on-site with a focus on 5S, data capture, and quality checks, starting on 1st shift and moving to 2nd shift after training; a shift differential may apply on 2nd.

Qualifications

• No specific formal education requirement.
• Basic math skills for counting and recording production and scrap.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn machine operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions, standard operating procedures, and manufacturer manuals.
• Attention to detail and the ability to learn and use basic inspection tools, gauges, standard work, 5S, and established quality practices.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and enter production, downtime, and other required data.
• Effective communication, teamwork, dependability, and the ability to report equipment, quality, or production concerns to supervision.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Learn cold heading machine operation, adjustments, proper equipment care, standard work, and safe operating practices under the guidance of experienced team members.
• Perform routine equipment lubrication, designated oil changes, and minor machine repairs, and assist Maintenance with more complex repairs as needed.
• Support changeovers by gathering required tools, assisting with setup and teardown, loading machines, welding wire, and preparing equipment for production.
• Complete equipment purging, washdowns, and detailed cleaning according to established schedules and 5S standards, including painting and labeling equipment when required.
• Inspect parts and perform pan checks to verify product quality, ensure containers are clean and properly identified, and follow procedures for first- and last-piece inspections and gage control.
• Accurately record production, downtime, and other required information using established data-collection and computer systems.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe machines, press areas, aisles, and workspaces while following all safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Report equipment malfunctions, quality concerns, production shortages, excessive tool usage, and other operating issues promptly while supporting team and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic math

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Teamwork

Overtime willingness

Job description

Job Summary

MacLean-Fogg is hiring a Cold Heading Operator Trainee at our Chesterfield, Michigan manufacturing facility. In this role, you will learn cold heading operations while supporting safe, efficient, high-quality production through equipment operation, inspection, changeovers, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting. Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.

• Location: Chesterfield, MI
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Schedule: Begin on 1st Shift, 6:00 AM-3:30 PM, then move to 2nd Shift, 2:00 PM-10:00 PM, once trained
• Pay: $18-$20/hour
• Other Compensation: A shift differential applies once assigned to 2nd Shift
• Employment Type: Full-time / Hourly
• Overtime: Occasional overtime may be required.

What You'll Do as a Cold Heading Operator Trainee

• Learn cold heading machine operation, adjustments, proper equipment care, standard work, and safe operating practices under the guidance of experienced team members.
• Perform routine equipment lubrication, designated oil changes, and minor machine repairs, and assist Maintenance with more complex repairs as needed.
• Support changeovers by gathering required tools, assisting with setup and teardown, loading machines, welding wire, and preparing equipment for production.
• Complete equipment purging, washdowns, and detailed cleaning according to established schedules and 5S standards, including painting and labeling equipment when required.
• Inspect parts and perform pan checks to verify product quality, ensure containers are clean and properly identified, and follow procedures for first- and last-piece inspections and gage control.
• Accurately record production, downtime, and other required information using established data-collection and computer systems.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe machines, press areas, aisles, and workspaces while following all safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Report equipment malfunctions, quality concerns, production shortages, excessive tool usage, and other operating issues promptly while supporting team and continuous improvement activities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• No specific formal education requirement.
• Basic math skills for counting and recording production and scrap.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn machine operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions, standard operating procedures, and manufacturer manuals.
• Attention to detail and the ability to learn and use basic inspection tools, gauges, standard work, 5S, and established quality practices.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and enter production, downtime, and other required data.
• Effective communication, teamwork, dependability, and the ability to report equipment, quality, or production concerns to supervision.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This role involves standing and walking for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Employees in this role regularly bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, and reach while performing job duties.
• The position requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The work involves repetitive hand, wrist, and arm motions and the safe use of hand tools, gauges, and cleaning equipment.
• The manufacturing environment includes exposure to noise, moving machinery, oils, coolants, and varying temperatures.
• Employees must be able to visually inspect parts and read gauges, labels, and production documentation, with or without corrective lenses.
• Required personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe footwear.

The physical requirements described above represent those needed to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

Eligible employees across MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies have access to a comprehensive benefits program designed to support health, financial well-being, time away, and development. This position is eligible for benefits that include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match and potential profit sharing
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources
• Virtual healthcare resources
• Tuition reimbursement and development opportunities
• Additional wellness, financial, and employee programs

Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Explore our full benefits and interactive resources: https://explore.benefits.macleanfogg.app

Pre-Employment Requirements

After a conditional offer, this position requires a pre-employment drug screen. Testing and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.

About MacLean-Fogg

MacLean-Fogg is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.

Our portfolio includes MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Integrity, People, Customers, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact [e-mail].

Be part of what's next at MacLean-Fogg.