Cold Header Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

A Cold Heading Operator is a skilled manufacturing professional who sets up and operates specialized machinery to form metal wire or rods into precise shapes at room temperature. By using extreme pressure instead of heat, the Cold Heading Operator produces high-strength fasteners — including bolts, screws, and rivets — with minimal material waste. This role is essential to manufacturing operations supporting the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Setup

• Calibrate, tool, and adjust cold headers (such as National, Formax, or Sacma machines) using setup sheets, blueprints, and precision tools.

Quality Control

• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments — including micrometers, calipers, and optical comparators — to ensure they meet exact specifications and tolerances.

Material Management

• Load coiled wire into feeders, ensure proper straightening, and manage lubricant and coolant levels throughout production runs.

Maintenance

• Perform routine preventative maintenance, troubleshoot jams, and replace worn dies or punches to keep equipment running at peak efficiency.

Required Skills

• Mechanical Aptitude: A strong understanding of mechanical movements, tooling, and machine dynamics.

• Math & Blueprint Reading: Ability to interpret technical drawings and calculate material ratios and dimensions.

• Physical Stamina: Capacity to lift heavy materials and stand on a factory floor for long shifts.

• Attention to Detail: Precision is critical, as parts must adhere to strict tolerances.

Career & Industry Outlook

5 years experienced operators are heavily recruited, with wages varying significantly based on experience and the specific machinery used. Cold Heading Operators remain an essential function across the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.
Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.

Company Description

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW\r\nVanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.\r\nDue to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.