Header Technician (Hot/Cold Header Operator)

Location: Glendale, CA (On-site)

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing & Precision Machining

Seniority Level: Skilled Trades / Machine Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Our client, an industry-leading manufacturer specializing in complex aerospace fasteners, is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Header Technician to lead daily operations across hot and cold heading lines. This is a critical role within a high-performance shop floor environment, ideal for someone with deep experience in header operations who is ready to lead, train, and drive production excellence.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a highly respected organization where quality, safety, and technical precision are top priorities. You’ll have a direct impact on shop floor performance, team productivity, and overall quality of products that support flight-critical components across the aerospace sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day production activities in the heading and trimming departments, ensuring output meets strict quality and quantity benchmarks.
• Operate, set up, and troubleshoot hot and cold header machinery and associated trimming equipment.
• Train and mentor machine operators to optimize performance, setup accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with tool room and engineering teams to ensure tooling dimensions and designs align with production needs.
• Maintain daily work schedules, allocate operators to appropriate machinery, and manage staffing for peak productivity.
• Complete material requisitions and ensure timely movement of raw materials to production lines.
• Identify mechanical issues, report equipment concerns, and escalate unsafe conditions for timely resolution.
• Conduct performance evaluations, enforce company policies, and support hiring efforts within the department.
• Review all production documentation for completeness and accuracy before submitting for final processing.

Qualifications:

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience operating hot/cold headers and related machinery in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a machine shop setting, preferably with team supervision responsibilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting and setup capabilities.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting production blueprints, work orders, and safety documents.
• Ability to perform basic algebra and geometry calculations related to machine setup and part measurements.
• Familiarity with inventory control and shop floor production software tools.
• Effective communicator, both verbal and written, with experience mentoring junior operators and coordinating across departments.

Preferred:

• Experience in aerospace or precision fastener manufacturing highly desirable.
• Prior exposure to trimmers and secondary operations is a plus.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

• Regularly required to stand, handle machinery, and lift up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to moderate noise, vibration, and moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional exposure to airborne particles, heat, and sharp tooling.
• Safety and PPE training provided and required.

This role is perfect for someone ready to take ownership of fast-paced header operations and drive efficiency, quality, and team development in a respected precision manufacturing environment. If you're passionate about machine operation, leadership, and shop floor excellence, we want to connect with you.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS