Flexographic Wide-Web Printing Press Operator - 2nd shift

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Set up, adjust, maintain, and operate an 8-color Uteco 52” wide web flexographic press
• Install Anilox rollers and print sleeves at the proper stations, making necessary adjustments to maintain production quality.
• Reads, understands, and follows print job schedules.
• Monitors equipment and, during press runs, ensures the quality and consistency of finished pieces.
• Makes minor adjustments to equipment as needed during press runs.  
• Adjust the press to maximize run speed and produce quality print.
• Perform quality checks on the printed roll.
• Load and unload print sleeves from the press and storage racks.
• Weigh and wrap printed film from the press.
• Change doctor blades and end seals when needed.
• Clean the drum, ink pans, ink pumps, and floor when needed.
• Accurately and timely complete required paperwork and samples.
• Comply with company safety policies and maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Trained in and comply with Safe Quality Food (SQF) procedures. 
• Collects and inspects random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
• Looks for and has input on implementing suggestions to produce work more efficiently. 
• Complies with company safety policies and maintains a clean and orderly work area and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) procedures, including timely and accurate documentation of required SQF forms.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma, or equivalent, required
• Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment to meet daily production requirements
• Good technical aptitude and computer skills, ability to perform digital set-ups and adjustments
• Ability to perform basic math skills
• Effectively communicate questions, problems, and reports to co-workers, supervisory, and management personnel
• Flexibility to accommodate unscheduled changes in duties and work overtime as needed
• Ability to work well with all levels of employees, whether individually or in a team environment.
• Flexibility to accommodate unscheduled changes in duties and work overtime as needed.

• Prior experience in printing, web handling, and/or manufacturing
• Accurate measurement skills; knowledge of metric conversation
• Basic mechanical ability
• Solid communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member

• Mechanical & Technical Aptitude
•  Ability to understand how machinery works (rollers, tension systems)
• Comfort using tools and making fine mechanical adjustments
• Basic troubleshooting mindset (identifying root causes of issues like mis-registration or ink inconsistency

• Ability to spot small defects (color variation, smudging, registration errors)
• Precision in setup (plate alignment, ink levels, substrate loading)
• Consistency in maintaining print quality over long runs

• Basic understanding of color theory (CMYK, Pantone matching)
• Ability to visually match colors and notice subtle differences
•  Familiarity (or aptitude to learn) with ink viscosity and drying behavior

• Understanding of production workflows and standard operating procedures
• Ability to follow specs exactly (job tickets, tolerances)
• Experience or aptitude with quality checks and documentation

• Comfort with digital controls, HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), or press software
• Ability to input job parameters and monitor system feedback
• Basic data entry and reporting skills

• Ability to read gauges, rulers, and micrometers
• Understanding of measurements (thickness, pressure, speed)
• Basic math for calculations (ratios, conversions, tolerances)

• Diagnosing issues like:
  • Ink smearing
  • Substrate wrinkling
  • Plate wear or damage
  • Making quick adjustments without compromising safety or quality

• Understanding different substrates (films, foils, paper)
• Awareness of how materials react under tension, heat, and ink
• Safe handling of inks, solvents, and chemicals

• Ability to learn setup/changeover procedures quickly
• Understanding how to minimize waste and downtime
• Awareness of production speed vs. quality trade-offs

• Knowledge (or strong aptitude to learn) of machine safety protocols
• Awareness of moving parts, lockout/tagout procedures
• Proper handling of chemicals and PPE

• Frequently (more than 75% of time) required to: stand and/or walk, use ladders and climb stairs, bend and stoop, reach, push/pull, kneel and crouch. 
• Lift, carry and/or move items up to 100 pounds, without assistance; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls, to verbally communicate; and to hear. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently exposed to a non-climate-controlled environment.
  • Frequently (more than 75% of time) exposed to dust and loud noise.
  • Frequently (more than 75% of time) exposed to machinery and mechanical, moving parts.
  • Personal protective equipment, such as hearing protection, safety glasses, hair net, and food safety-related items, is required.
  • Exposure to both Normal Propyl Alcohol & Normal Propyl Acetate fumes and solvent-based inks.
  
  

EXTRAS

• Employee-Owned
• Weekly Pay
• Advancement Opportunities
• Insurance coverage that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays and competitive vacation/sick pay plans
• Tuition assistance program 
• Employee stock ownership program (ESOP)