Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fastener Maker

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and mechanically-inclined Fastener Maker to join a forward-thinking manufacturing team. In this pivotal role, you will be the hands-on expert responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining specialized machinery like cold headers and thread rollers to produce high-precision fasteners. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with an exceptional eye for detail, who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. You will be instrumental in ensuring our production lines run smoothly and efficiently, directly contributing to the success and reputation of our products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Machine Operator Helper
General Production Associate
Technical/Vocational School Graduate

Advancement To:

Senior/Lead Fastener Maker or Setup Technician
Production Supervisor or Team Lead
Quality Assurance Inspector/Technician

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician
CNC Machinist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, operate, and monitor a variety of fastener manufacturing equipment, including multi-die cold heading machines, thread rollers, and pointing machines.
Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and work order specifications to determine machine setup, tooling requirements, and production sequences.
Perform intricate machine adjustments and tool changes to ensure parts are produced according to precise dimensional and quality specifications.
Conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections of fasteners using a wide range of precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, comparators, and various gauges.
Troubleshoot and resolve operational and mechanical issues with machinery to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
Continuously monitor machine performance and part quality throughout the production run, making necessary adjustments to maintain conformity.
Manage the loading of raw materials, such as wire coils, into machines and ensure proper material handling procedures are followed.
Execute preventative maintenance tasks on machinery, including lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Maintain accurate and detailed production records, including part counts, scrap rates, machine downtime, and quality inspection results.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and best practices to maintain a safe and hazard-free work environment.
Collaborate with the quality control department to analyze non-conforming parts and implement effective corrective actions.
Optimize machine cycle times and processes to meet or exceed established production targets and efficiency goals.
Perform tooling maintenance, including inspection, cleaning, and proper storage, to ensure readiness for subsequent production runs.
Select and install appropriate tooling, such as dies, punches, and fingers, based on the specific job requirements.

Secondary Functions

Assist engineering and design teams with feedback on part manufacturability and process improvements.
Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives, such as 5S, Kaizen events, and lean manufacturing projects.
Train and mentor junior operators or apprentices on machine operation, safety protocols, and quality standards.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace to support workplace safety and operational effectiveness.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance personnel, and team members regarding production status, equipment issues, and material needs.
Support inventory management by providing accurate counts of finished goods and raw materials.
Read and interpret Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts to monitor and control process variations.
Handle and transport materials and finished products using pallet jacks or other material handling equipment as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Proven experience operating cold headers, thread rollers, screw machines, or similar manufacturing equipment.
Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and accurately interpret complex technical drawings, schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Precision Measurement: Proficient in using calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, thread gauges, and other quality inspection tools.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of mechanical principles for machine setup, troubleshooting, and minor maintenance.
Tooling Knowledge: Experience with setting up, changing, and adjusting dies, punches, and other machine tooling.
Shop Mathematics: Solid grasp of basic math, fractions, and decimals for measurements and calculations.
Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical and operational issues with production machinery.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in all aspects of the job, from machine setup to final quality inspection, to ensure part conformity.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to efficiently resolve production challenges.
Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to meeting production goals and quality standards.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and clearly communicate technical information.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities, production schedules, and new processes.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a safe working environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a technical or vocational school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Machine Tool Technology or Machining

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment operating fastener-making or similar metal-forming machinery.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience with multi-die cold heading and thread rolling equipment, including complex setups and troubleshooting.