2nd Press Operator

Aapstaff; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Aapstaff in Elk Grove Village, IL is seeking a 2nd Press Operator to support the 1st and 3rd Press Operators and help keep production safe, efficient, and on schedule. The role follows safety, quality, and production procedures, and participates in TOP 5 production meetings.

You will monitor ink and varnish viscosity, prepare inks, assist with color registration, and help cover the 3rd Press Operator when needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical diploma, or equivalent experience.
• Approximately two years of ink technician or press helper experience preferred.
• Ability to drive a forklift is a plus; English-language proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support ink and varnish processes per production instructions.
• Assist, train, and support the 3rd Press Operator when needed.
• Maintain ink room organization and proper ink return to marked locations.
• Follow safety, HACCP, GMP, and company procedures; participate in TOP 5 production meetings.

Skills

Problem solving

Decision making

Teamwork

Initiative

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma / technical diploma

Tools

Densitometer

Colorimeter

Job description

1. Position Summary

The 2nd Press Operator supports the 1st and 3rd Press Operators to keep production safe, efficient, and on schedule. The role follows established safety, quality, and production procedures, participates in TOP 5 production meetings, and may cover the 3rd Press Operator when needed.

2. Key Responsibilities

Safety and Work Area

• Follow all safety rules, procedures, and job-specific instructions.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure visitors and coworkers use appropriate PPE.
• Report unsafe conditions, risks, incidents, and accidents; participate in safety audits and investigations.
• Complete required safety and machine-safety training.
• Keep work zones clean, organized, and in line with established standards.
• Use safe work practices when lifting, handling materials, and operating around machinery.
• Participate in safety-related activities and work groups as requested.

Ink, Varnish, and Press Support

• Monitor and control ink and varnish viscosity during production; complete the required viscosity form.
• Follow standard procedures for non-quality product, including non-quality zones and TOPS feedback.
• Follow and track HACCP checkpoints and complete related documentation.
• Know and follow the job packet and production instructions.
• Assist, train, and support the 3rd Press Operator with daily activities as needed.
• Keep the ink room organized and return ink to its properly marked location.
• Dispose of waste correctly and manage inks, varnishes, and hot-melt materials as required for each job.
• Prepare the correct inks, varnishes, and hot-melt materials before each job starts.
• Support ink adjustments needed during production.
• Support color registration and make adjustments as needed during the production process.
• Change or adjust press knives as needed, following safe procedures.
• Check for printing defects such as spots, out-of-register printing, ghosting, and lines; help correct issues.
• Support cylinder changes and help with press cleaning and ordering as needed.
• Maintain printing sleeves and provide feedback to the Production Supervisor if sleeves need repair or replacement.
• Bring production feedback to the supervisor and help ensure needed cylinders are on the carts at the beginning of each job and at changeover.
• Provide the machine with the materials and substrates required for production.
• Complete other production tasks assigned by the Production Supervisor.
• Participate in TOP 5 production meetings and provide feedback on production issues.
• Support the 3rd Press Operator with cylinder changes.
• Change, clean, and organize press components as needed during production.

Teamwork, Quality, and Compliance

• Work cooperatively with press operators and other team members.
• Follow all quality, safety, emergency, and food-safety requirements, including applicable HACCP, GMP, BRC Global Standards, and company procedures.
• Arrive at the machine at least five minutes before the shift starts.
• Understand and follow Environmental Hazardous Waste Training requirements.

3. Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma, technical diploma, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to drive a forklift and safely handle materials; experience with a densitometer and colorimeter is a plus.
• English-language proficiency.
• Approximately two years of experience as an ink technician or press helper preferred; must complete training to support the 3rd Press Operator role.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills, teamwork, initiative, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate leadership when needed.

4. Physical and Work Conditions

• Physical effort: Moderate to heavy.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work may require standing, bending, and being on your feet for extended periods.
• Workplace hazards may include pinches, cuts, slips, falls, and fire-related risks. Follow all safety procedures.

5. Reporting and Contacts

Immediate Supervisor: Production Supervisor

If the Production Manager is absent, report to the Production Manager’s designated contact or follow the supervisor’s instructions.