Cold Heading and Machine Operator

Responsibilities:

• Machine Setup and Operation: Set up and adjust cold heading machines based on job specifications, including selecting dies, punches, and other tooling components. Operate cold heading machines to form metal wire into desired shapes and sizes, such as nuts, bolts, screws, rivets, and pins. Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts, tables or sample parts to determine machine operations to be performed and plan best sequence of operations.
• Material Handling: Load raw material coils or bars into the feeding mechanism of cold heading machines. Monitor material feed rates, tension, and alignment to ensure smooth and consistent production flow. Perform material changeovers and coil splices as needed.
• Tooling Selection and Maintenance: Reading BOM/Blueprints provided to select appropriate tooling, including dies, punches, and cutoff blades, based on part design, material type, and production requirements. Inspect tooling components for wear, damage, or misalignment and perform routine maintenance tasks such as sharpening, polishing, and replacing worn parts.
• Quality Assurance: Regularly inspect cold-headed parts using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and optical comparators to verify dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Monitor process variables, including header speed, stroke length, and die temperature, to maintain quality standards and troubleshoot process deviations.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Troubleshoot machine malfunctions, tooling issues, and process anomalies to minimize downtime/setup time, scrap and maximize productivity as well as contribute to other project work. Perform routine maintenance tasks, including cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting machine components, to ensure optimal performance and prevent premature wear. May assist with machinery maintenance and repairs.
• Safety and Compliance: Follow all safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Maintain a clean and organized work environment to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations. Diligently follow all lockout/tagout procedures.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of production data, machine settings, tooling changes, and quality inspection results. Complete production logs, work orders, and quality control documentation to track job progress and ensure traceability.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Technical certification or vocational training in cold heading operations preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a cold heading machine operator in a manufacturing environment.
• Forklift certification is a preferred.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating various types of cold heading machines, including single-die, multi-die, and progressive header machines.
• Strong understanding of cold heading principles, including wire feeding, upsetting, extruding, and trimming processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.
• Experience with precision measuring instruments and quality inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of machine tool maintenance procedures and troubleshooting techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed.