Primary Operator

Dextech; Michigan; On-site; USD 28,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Dextech in Dexter, MI is hiring Primary Operator for the Cold Heading Department. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude and 2+ years header operator experience. Training starts on the first shift with second-shift operation afterward.

The position includes setting up, operating, and maintaining heading machines, performing tool changes, and ensuring quality with precise measurements. Excellent attendance and growth potential are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years header operator experience in a high-volume environment preferred.
• Ability to read shop drawings and mechanical specifications.
• Willingness to learn and grow within a dynamic facility.
• Strong attendance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor heading machines using 2-die/2-punch and 5-die/5-punch configurations.
• Maintain and repair header machinery.
• Install, align, and secure dies and punches according to job specifications.
• Perform machine changeovers, including tooling swaps, adjustments, and test runs.
• Verify proper punch die and punch alignment to prevent wear or defects.
• Make fine adjustments across multiple forming stations.
• Perform oil changes.
• Keep machines running efficiently.
• Inspect formed parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and visual checks.
• Operate hi-lo equipment to assist with material handling.
• Follow 5S principles to maintain a clean, organized workspace.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Technical problem solving

Mechanical assembly and disassembly

Shop math

Quality procedures knowledge

Attention to detail

Willingness to grow

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years header operator experience

Job description

# Primary OperatorHot Job2110 BISHOP CIRCLE E - DEXTER, MI 48130## OverviewSalary Range$20.00 - $33.94 HourlyLevelExperiencedPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelHigh School/GEDCategoryManufacturing## DescriptionJob Title: Primary Operator Department: PRMReports to: Primary Manager Effective Date: 09/18/2026Job Summary:Dextech has immediate openings for Primary Operators in our Cold Heading Department. We are seeking candidates with strong mechanical skills, a willingness to grow, and excellent attendance.These are second-shift positions, though training is typically completed on the first shift. Please note that the manufacturing environment is subject to seasonal temperature changes, where it can be hot during the summer months and cooler during the winter months.The Primary Operator is responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining heading machines, to include: repairing and operating machinery, performing tool and die changes, loading and unloading machines with parts, and performing oil changes.Supervisory Responsibilities:* NoneDuties/Responsibilities: * Set up, operate, and monitor heading machines using 2-die/2-punch and 5-die/5-punch configurations.* Maintain and repair header machinery.* Install, align, and secure dies and punches according to job specifications.* Perform machine changeovers, including tooling swaps, adjustments, and test runs to ensure proper forming sequence.* Verify proper punch die and punch alignment to prevent tool wear, part defects, and machine damage* Make fine adjustments across multiple forming stations.* Perform oil changes.* Keep machines running efficiently* Inspect formed parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and visual checks to ensure compliance with customer requirements.* Operate hi-lo equipment to assist with material handling.* Follow 5S principles to maintain a clean, organized, efficient working environment.Growth & Advancement:Employees are eligible for a $0.50 per hour wage increase every 90 days until they reach the top rate for their department. We also provide extensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a 401(k) plan.Great benefit package including:* Weekly pay* BCBSM - Community Blue PPO plan with a $ 100 deductible for single coverage, and $ 200 for family or access to a HDHP plan, that requires NO contribution from the employee, plus we contribute to your HSA fund!* Vision, Dental, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability plans at no cost to the employee.* Tuition reimbursement.* $75 annual safety shoe or jacket allowance.* Uniforms.## QualificationsRequired Skills/Abilities: * Strong mechanical aptitude.* Technical problem solving* Mechanical assembly and disassembly* Ability to understand and interpret shop math.* Working knowledge of quality procedures.* Strong attention to detail.* Learning and developmentEducation and Experience:* High school diploma or equivalent required.* 2+ years of Header Operator experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferred.Physical Requirements: * Prolonged periods of standing or walking* Comfortable working on the manufacturing shop floor.* Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds continuously.* Ability to occasionally lift between 51-100 pounds.* Occasional Bending. Stooping, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching above the shoulder and below the knee, pushing/pulling, and twisting.