How to hire a header set-up operator

How to hire a header set-up operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step header set-up operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a header set-up operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new header set-up operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your header set-up operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a header set-up operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a header set-up operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a header set-up operator that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of header set-up operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Header Set-Up Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Header Set-Up Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-21
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Set-Up Operator	A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.	$13-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Calipers
   • SPC
   • Comparators
   • Quality Checks
   • Formax
   • Blueprint Specs
   • Stainless Steel
   • Lean Management

   Responsibilities:

   • Experience with SPC; measuring every dimension in print.
   • Work with internal, external, and bore grinders.
   • Enter quality check results into the computer matching them up to SPC charts.
   • Perform quality control inspection using calipers/gauges/micrometers and digital comparators.
   • Experience with AutoCAD, NVivo research software, RSLogix5000 for PLC programming.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your header set-up operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A header set-up operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, header set-up operators' average salary in montana is 13% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level header set-up operators earn 38% less than senior-level header set-up operators.
   • Certifications. A header set-up operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a header set-up operator's salary.

   Average header set-up operator salary

   $35,764yearly

   $17.19 hourly rate

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   Entry-level header set-up operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing a header set-up operator job description

   A good header set-up operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a header set-up operator job description:

   Header set-up operator job description example

   *Due to business expansion and growth, PIVOT POINT INC. a manufacturer of non-threaded fasteners located in Hustisford, WI is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Full Time 2nd Shift Header/ Cold Form Heading Set Up Operator. This position would also cross-train on other machinery.
   
   This is a Full Time 2nd Shift position. Hours would be 2:20pm-12:50am Monday through Thursday.
   **Work in our brand new building extension!** Training would be on 1st Shift Mon-Thurs for 1-2 months. Our cold heading machine operators are valued for their ability to do proper set-up and operation of cold form heading machines to provide consistent quality through adjustments of tooling and machines. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
   * Set-up and run multiple machines at same time.
   * Collect and qualify tooling for shop orders.
   * Inspect tooling for wear and maintain tooling stores.
   * Handle machine maintenance at the operator level.
   * Follow instructions, procedures and schedules without deviation. Read and understand blue prints and QC sheets.
   * Use caliper, micrometer and take acceptable care of measuring equipment.
   * Operate forklift and overhead crane.
   * Plan daily/hourly activities with the supervisor or team coordinator to maximize productivity.
   * Jointly responsible for ensuring headed parts are washed before moving to the next operation.
   * Promotes the company mission statement, vision and follows safety and ISO procedures. Qualifications:
   Prefer at least 3 years of previous cold heading operating experience.
   Commitment to company safety, quality and accuracy procedures.
   Ability to work as a team member with all personnel.
   Ability to be able to regularly stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel. Must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms or lean over cavity of machine to adjust or change tooling. Must be able fasten large bolts very tightly. Must be able to lift and or move up to 75#.
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
   The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
   Must wear PPE as assigned. Cross-training to other machinery expected in the future.
   
   *Looking for candidates with solid, long-term, consistent work history.* * Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug testing.*

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right header set-up operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your header set-up operator job on Zippia to find and recruit header set-up operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit header set-up operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new header set-up operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect header set-up operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new header set-up operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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