Cold Heading Operator Trainee - 2nd Shift

About the role

MacLean-Fogg is hiring a Cold Heading Operator Trainee at our Chesterfield, Michigan manufacturing facility. In this role, you will learn cold heading operations while supporting safe, efficient, high-quality production through equipment operation, inspection, changeovers, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting. Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Learn cold heading machine operation, adjustments, proper equipment care, standard work, and safe operating practices under the guidance of experienced team members.
• Perform routine equipment lubrication, designated oil changes, and minor machine repairs, and assist Maintenance with more complex repairs as needed.
• Support changeovers by gathering required tools, assisting with setup and teardown, loading machines, welding wire, and preparing equipment for production.
• Complete equipment purging, washdowns, and detailed cleaning according to established schedules and 5S standards, including painting and labeling equipment when required.
• Inspect parts and perform pan checks to verify product quality, ensure containers are clean and properly identified, and follow procedures for first- and last-piece inspections and gage control.
• Accurately record production, downtime, and other required information using established data-collection and computer systems.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe machines, press areas, aisles, and workspaces while following all safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Report equipment malfunctions, quality concerns, production shortages, excessive tool usage, and other operating issues promptly while supporting team and continuous improvement activities.

Requirements

• No specific formal education requirement.
• Basic math skills for counting and recording production and scrap.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn machine operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions, standard operating procedures, and manufacturer manuals.
• Attention to detail and the ability to learn and use basic inspection tools, gauges, standard work, 5S, and established quality practices.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and enter production, downtime, and other required data.
• Effective communication, teamwork, dependability, and the ability to report equipment, quality, or production concerns to supervision.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match and potential profit sharing
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources
• Virtual healthcare resources
• Tuition reimbursement and development opportunities
• Additional wellness, financial, and employee programs

Pay

$18-$20/hour (with shift differential applied once assigned to 2nd Shift)

Schedule

Begin on 1st Shift, 6:00 AM‑3:30 PM, then move to 2nd Shift, 2:00 PM‑10:00 PM once trained; occasional overtime may be required.