{"id":2641584,"url":"https://alion.io/job/optimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice","title":"1st Shift Cold Header Operator Apprentice","company":{"id":4418308,"name":"Optimas","domain":"optimas.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/optimas-2","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Jobvite","truth_index":null},"role":"Field & Service","role_family":"Field & Service","seniority":"intern","employment_type":"internship","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Wood Dale, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":33000,"max_usd":50000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":122},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-15T19:02:04Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-15","last_verified_at":"2026-10-16T06:11:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":0,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":0},"description":"Description\n1st Shift Cold Header Operator Apprentice\nWood Dale, IL\nAbout Opportunity\nOptimas is seeking motivated individuals to join our 2-Year Cold Header Operator Apprenticeship Program. This paid, hands-on training opportunity is designed to develop the skills needed for a career as a Cold Header Operator.\nNo previous cold heading experience is required. Apprentices will receive on-the-job training, mentorship, and progressive skill development while learning to operate and set up cold heading equipment.\nWhat You’ll Learn\nCold heading machine setup and operation\nMachine adjustments and troubleshooting\nBlueprint and work instruction reading\nWire grade and material identification\nUse of measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges\nQuality inspection and SPC\nPreventative maintenance\nCold forming and fastener manufacturing processes\nManufacturing safety and best practices\nKey Responsibilities\nLearn to safely set up and operate cold heading machines.\nInspect incoming wire, materials, and finished products to ensure quality standards are met.\nUse measuring equipment to verify product dimensions.\nFollow work instructions, safety procedures, and production requirements.\nComplete quality and production documentation.\nAssist with routine maintenance and troubleshooting.\nMaintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.\nParticipate in all required apprenticeship training.\nWork effectively with trainers, supervisors, and team members.\nQualifications\nHigh school diploma or GED required.\nStrong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.\nInterest in manufacturing, machining, or mechanical systems.\nAbility to perform basic math and read measurements.\nStrong attention to detail and commitment to quality.\nBasic computer skills.\nReliable attendance and strong work ethic.\nAbility to work safely in a manufacturing environment.\nPrevious manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.\nPay & Career Growth\nYear 1: $22.00/hour\nYear 2: $24.00/hour\nThe program provides paid employment, hands-on training, mentorship, progressive wage increases, and opportunities for career advancement.\nSuccessful completion of the program may lead to a Cold Header Operator position based on performance, attendance, qualifications, and business needs.\nApprentices may also earn industry-recognized apprenticeship credentials upon successful completion of program requirements.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to lift up to 50 pounds.\nAbility to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform repetitive movements for extended periods.\nAbility to safely work around machinery and manufacturing equipment.\nAbility to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe footwear.\nAbility to work around noise, moving equipment, oils, and varying temperatures.\nAbout Optimas\nOptimas is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions and engineering support focused on delivering fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies to customers around the world. Our local teams understand the communities we serve, allowing us to adapt to the needs of our customers and partners while providing personalized service and support.\nOur values are the THREAD that connects us as one team:\nTeamwork | Honesty | Respect | Excellence | Accountability | Drive\nTo learn more, visit www.optimas.com.\nOptimas OE Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. #LI-Onsite","description_format":"text","description_chars":3625,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"high_school","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Manufacturing","Transportation & Logistics","Mechanical Components & Fasteners"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-15T19:02:04Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":86,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.86,"p_room":1,"age_days":0,"expected_fill_days":28,"reasons":["conf:3","win:early","comp:junior"],"computed_at":"2026-10-16T05:45:00Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/optimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/optimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-16T09:42:22Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":7976,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-17T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":4418308},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=4418308"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Foptimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Foptimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Foptimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/optimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Foptimas-1st-shift-cold-header-operator-apprentice"}]}