Press Operator

The Press Operator operates, monitors, and maintains industrial printing and packaging machinery (typically flexographic or specialized plastic packaging presses) to produce high-quality printed packaging materials. Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, color vision/color-matching ability, basic math and troubleshooting skills, and the physical capacity to stand for long shifts and lift heavy materials (up to 50lbs.).

The Press Operator operates, monitors, and maintains industrial printing and packaging machinery (typically flexographic or specialized plastic packaging presses) to produce high-quality printed packaging materials.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Set up, run, and adjust computer-controlled or flexographic printing presses according to production job orders.

• Quality Control: Monitor ongoing print runs, inspect products for color accuracy, registration, and defects, and make real-time adjustments.

• Materials & Preparation: Load rolls, ink, plates, and substrates into the machine, and prepare materials for the converting or pouch-making departments.

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine cleaning, preventative maintenance, and basic mechanical troubleshooting, reporting major equipment issues to the press supervisor.

• Safety & Compliance: Follow all plant safety guidelines, maintain a clean workspace, and meet daily production and efficiency targets. 

Shift Structure & Work Environment

• Shift Schedule: Primarily 12-hour shifts with non-rotating or compressed/variable work schedules (including potential weekend or overtime requirements).

• Workplace Environment: Fast-paced manufacturing plant setting involving departments such as press, maintenance, pouch, and wicket.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Experience: Prior experience operating flexographic or industrial printing presses (typically 1+ years preferred).

• Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, color vision/color-matching ability, basic math and troubleshooting skills, and the physical capacity to stand for long shifts and lift heavy materials (up to 50lbs.)