Cold Heading Setup Technician (Precision Fasteners)

Rocknel Fastener; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocknel Fastener in Rockford, IL is seeking an hands-on header operator who will set up and run cold heading equipment to produce precision fasteners. You’ll manage multi-die headers and adjust speeds, pressures, and temperatures to meet production goals.

Responsibilities include monitoring gauges, inspecting parts with calipers and micrometers, and collaborating with supervision to resolve issues and prevent defects through RCA methods. 100% onsite.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of cold heading experience with setup capability.
• Clear, calm communication with supervisors, peers, and team members.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements.
• Hands-on ability to fine-tune machines (speeds, pressures, temperatures, etc.).
• Commitment to OSHA safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate cold heading machines (One‑Die/Two‑Blow to Four‑Die/Four‑Blow) for fastener production.
• Continuously monitor material flow, machine indicators, and the surrounding environment to detect and assess problems early.
• Gather information from all relevant sources and gather or resolve issues quickly with the Supervisor.
• Inspect machines, tooling, structures, and materials to pinpoint causes of errors or defects.
• Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, temperatures, feed rates, dimensions, and material flow.
• Start, stop, and regulate equipment via control panels and pushbuttons.
• Examine, measure, and weigh parts to verify conformity using calipers, micrometers, and a Length Gage.
• Observe lights, gauges, and machine behavior; clear jams safely; remove defective or substandard parts.
• Use Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques to identify true root causes and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Cold heading experience

Setup capability

Clear communication

IATF 16949 knowledge

Safety oriented

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Blueprint reading

Job description

Step into a fast‑paced, hands‑on role where you’ll set up and run cold heading equipment to produce precision fasteners. You’ll work with equipment ranging from One‑Die/Two‑Blow through Four‑Die/Four‑Blow, using multi‑die headers to create complex parts in a single, efficient process.

Compensation & Schedule

• Hourly range: $25–$35/hour
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 1:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., with possible overtime

What a Typical Day Looks Like

You’ll arrive, review the production plan, and set up your header for the next run—dialing in speeds, pressures, temperatures, feeds, and dimensions. Throughout the shift you’ll monitor gauges and signal lights, check part dimensions with calipers, micrometers, and a Length Gage, and collaborate with the Supervisor to troubleshoot anything that could impact throughput or quality. You’ll clear jams safely, remove nonconforming parts, and apply Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methods to prevent repeat issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate cold heading machines (One‑Die/Two‑Blow to Four‑Die/Four‑Blow) for fastener production.
• Continuously monitor material flow, machine indicators, and the surrounding environment to detect and assess problems early.
• Gather information from all relevant sources and gather or resolve issues quickly with the Supervisor.
• Inspect machines, tooling, structures, and materials to pinpoint causes of errors or defects.
• Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, temperatures, feed rates, dimensions, and material flow.
• Start, stop, and regulate equipment via control panels and pushbuttons.
• Examine, measure, and weigh parts to verify conformity using calipers, micrometers, and a Length Gage.
• Observe lights, gauges, and machine behavior; clear jams safely; remove defective or substandard parts.
• Use Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques to identify true root causes and drive corrective actions.

What You’ll Bring

• 3–7 years of cold heading experience with proven setup capability; fastener industry experience preferred.
• Clear, calm communication with supervisors, peers, and team members—written, verbal, email, and in person.
• Strong prioritization and organization; able to switch between tasks with minimal errors or omissions.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements.
• Solid deductive reasoning skills to apply general rules to specific issues.
• Hands‑on ability to fine‑tune machines (speeds, pressures, temperatures, flow, and dimensions).
• Basic heading maintenance knowledge.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, and blueprint reading.
• Commitment to OSHA regulations and all company safety policies.

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.