Lithographic Press Operator — Folding Cartons

Ready to grow on a high-performing press crew?

Do you enjoy mechanical work? Communicating with a team? Making processes better each run? If yes, you’ll thrive on our folding carton pressline.

Why this role

• Hourly pay based on experience—clear path to higher pay as you advance (see progression below)
• We’re hiring on all shifts and offer premiums for 2nd and 3rd
• Every new hire trains for 60–90 days on 1st shift to master our standards

Shifts you can choose

• 1st: 6:30am – 3:00pm (training period)
• 2nd: 3:00pm – 11:30pm (premium added)
• 3rd: 11:00pm – 6:30am (premium added)

What you’ll do

• Study the job ticket and notes to confirm correct inks, substrates, and coatings are staged
• Mount plates accurately and with speed
• Support make-ready according to work instructions
• Watch ink/coating fountains and document ink usage
• Keep the feeder stocked to avoid stoppages
• Unload deliveries and move completed loads
• Label printed loads precisely, clearly identifying sample pull locations and any nonconforming product
• Complete and process load tags
• Remove plates and dispose of them in the approved manner

What makes you a match

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2–3+ years of mechanical experience
• Dependable work history
• Strong teammate and communicator
• Analytical thinker with attention to detail
• Continuous improvement mindset

Benefits you can count on

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Plus

• Bonus opportunities
• Quarterly appreciation events
• Annual holiday celebrations

Grow with Wynalda Packaging

We’re a family-owned, innovation-forward folding carton manufacturer serving global brands. Our environment is fast, collaborative, and hands-on—ideal for people who want to learn new technology and build a career on advanced equipment.

Your growth roadmap

1. Feeder / Entry Operator

   Timeline: 0–6 months | Pay: $20/hour

   Focus: Reliability and attendance; core material handling; understanding press workflow.

   Skills: Load/unload sheets; ink basics; assist the crew; follow safety practices.

   Advance by: Showing consistency and coachability; demonstrating mechanical curiosity; anticipating press needs.

2. Junior Press Assistant

   Timeline: 6–18 months | Pay: $21/hour

   Focus: Press mechanics; aiding makeready; learning job setup.

   Skills: Assist with changeovers; handle plates; make guided ink tweaks; basic troubleshooting awareness.

   Advance by: Showing strong mechanical aptitude; taking partial setup ownership; thinking ahead.

3. Senior Press Assistant

   Timeline: 12–30 months | Pay: $22–$23/hour

   Focus: Operator-in-training.

   Skills: Execute parts of makeready solo; run under supervision; perform quality checks/adjustments; understand substrates (SBS, CNK, typical board behavior).

   Advance by: Running jobs with minimal oversight; meeting quality standards; keeping composure under pressure.

4. Lead Operator Level 1

   Timeline: 2–3 years | Pay: $24–$25/hour

   Focus: Positive, dependable, and engaged; committed to training and development.

   Skills: 2+ years’ experience; proficient machine operation; understanding of Wynalda Packaging practices and quality standards.

   Advance by: Staying consistent and coachable; remaining mechanically curious; anticipating press steps; producing quality work consistently.

5. Lead Operator Level 2

   Timeline: 3–5 years | Pay: $25–$28/hour

   Focus: Positive attitude and reliable attendance; ongoing skill development.

   Skills: 3–5 years’ experience; proficient across multiple presses; make-ready efficiency in line with department goals; consistent quality; understands Wynalda systems, technology, and software; strong grasp of WP best practices and industry printing standards.

   Advance by: Producing top quality; willingly operating most/all machines (sheetfed, small & large format, cold foiler, etc.); thinking proactively.

6. Lead Operator Level 3

   Timeline: 5+ years | Pay: $28+/hour

   Focus: Exemplary attitude, commitment, and reliability; continuous improvement leader.

   Skills: 5+ years’ experience; run most (if not all) machines/equipment—sheetfed, small & large format, cold foiler, etc.; lead in make-ready efficiency and run speeds; deliver top quality; in-depth knowledge of inks, coatings, and substrates; proficient with WP systems, technology, and software; expert in printing best practices and industry norms; enthusiastic trainer.

Desired technical background

• Large-format graphics
• Setting up machinery for production runs
• Web offset
• Sheetfed offset
• Offset lithography
• Digital printing