Cold Heading Manufacturing Engineer

Cold Heading Manufacturing Engineer — Rockford, IL

Join a fastener manufacturer where precision forming meets practical problem-solving. Your mission is to translate customer requirements into robust, efficient, and repeatable cold heading and metal forming processes—while partnering closely with production and quality to keep the line running smoothly.

Why this role matters

• Elevate throughput, quality, and consistency across cold heading, forming, and downstream operations
• Be the technical bridge among customers, sales, engineering, quality, and the shop floor
• Champion data-driven improvements to reduce scrap, downtime, and process variation

Core responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing methods for new and existing fasteners
• Interpret and review customer prints; propose design-for-manufacture adjustments as needed
• Troubleshoot tooling and process issues in real time, at the machine
• Define tooling specifications; manage ordering; create setup procedures and process documentation
• Support new product introduction and process validation activities
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and ISO 9001:2015 standards

Qualifications

• Experience: 2–5 years in fastener engineering — required
• Knowledge: Cold heading & metal forming — required
• Software: CAD proficiency — required; AutoCAD LT/Light — preferred
• Education: Associate’s degree in Engineering or related — preferred; relevant fastener experience may substitute
• Strengths: Troubleshooting and collaboration within the fastener manufacturing industry

Tools you’ll work with

• Cold Heading Machines
• Thread Rolling Machines
• CAD Software (AutoCAD)
• Cold forming equipment

Compensation & schedule

• Pay: $80,000–$100,000/year, dependent on experience
• Employment Type: Full-time, 1st shift, on-site
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Location: Rockford, IL

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• And more

About Us
Hughes Recruiting & Consulting is a full-service HR agency headquartered in Freeport, IL, with 11 offices across IL, WI, and MN. We’re growing and committed to excellence—connecting talented professionals with employers who value them.

Ready to build what’s next? Apply today.

Please Note:

This role does not offer visa sponsorship or relocation assistance. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.