3rd Shift Machine Operator Trainee - Ink Production

Quad; Town of Hartford (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Night shift premium

Paid hands-on training

Overtime opportunities

Stable employment

Career growth

Team collaboration

Job summary

Quad is seeking a Machine Operator Trainee – Ink Production for our Hartford, WI CR/T facility. You will receive paid, hands-on training to operate equipment and processes in our ink dispersion manufacturing operation, supporting Quad's nationwide printing network.

This role offers a 12-hour night shift (7:00 pm–7:00 am) Mon–Wed, with overtime opportunities, a starting pay of $20.00–$25.00 per hour plus a $3 night shift premium, and pathways for long-term career growth within a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, machine operation, warehouse, forklift, or industrial roles preferred but not required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Able to work a 12-hour night shift (Mon–Wed).
• Able to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Basic math and problem-solving skills.
• English language proficiency for safety and instruction.

Responsibilities

• Learn to safely operate manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Load raw materials and monitor production processes.
• Assist in the production of specialty inks, coatings, and related materials.
• Operate forklifts and material handling equipment (training provided).
• Unload tanker trucks and railcars.
• Monitor equipment performance and report production issues.
• Follow all quality, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Work closely with teammates to achieve production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn

English proficiency

Ability to lift 50+ lbs

Forklift experience (preferred)

Tools

Forklift (equipment)

Job description

As a global marketing experience company, Quad’s goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We’ve built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we’re all driven to perform at our best— for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we’re a company that believes we can always create a better way.

Machine Operator Trainee – Ink Production

Location

Quad – Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) Facility, Hartford, WI

Pay

Starting at $20.00 - $25.00 / hour, based on relevant experience and work history

Shift Premium

Additional $3.00 / hour for night shift

Schedule

• Night Shift: 7:00 pm – 7:00 am
• Monday–Wednesday
• Overtime opportunities available

Experience Preferred

Previous manufacturing, machine operating, warehouse, forklift, or industrial experience is helpful, but not required. We provide paid, hands‑on training for motivated individuals who are eager to learn and build a career in manufacturing.

Please Note

This position is located at Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility in Hartford, WI—not the Quad print manufacturing campus off Highway 60.

Build the Products Behind the Products

Every day, millions of people see the printed products Quad manufactures across North America. Behind those products are the specialized inks and coatings developed and manufactured at Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility.

CR/T is Quad’s ink dispersion manufacturing operation, where we produce the specialty inks and related materials that support Quad's nationwide printing network. This is a unique opportunity to build a manufacturing career in a specialized industrial environment while learning advanced production processes that are essential to our printing operations.

Position Summary

Quad is seeking a Machine Operator Trainee – Ink Production to join our third‑shift manufacturing team at our CR/T facility.

In this role, you'll receive paid, hands‑on training while learning to operate the equipment and processes used in Quad's ink dispersion manufacturing operation. Working alongside experienced team members, you'll help produce the specialized inks and coatings that support Quad's printing facilities across North America while developing valuable manufacturing skills for long‑term career growth.

What You'll Do

• Learn to safely operate manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Load raw materials and monitor production processes.
• Assist in the production of specialty inks, coatings, and related materials.
• Operate forklifts and material handling equipment (training provided).
• Unload tanker trucks and railcars.
• Monitor equipment performance and report production issues.
• Follow all quality, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Work closely with teammates to achieve production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Manufacturing, production, machine operating, warehouse, forklift, or industrial experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work a 12-hour night shift schedule (Monday–Wednesday).
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Basic math and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to safely perform job duties, follow work instructions, and communicate effectively with team members.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Forklift experience is a plus but not required.

Why Quad CR/T?

At Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility, you'll do more than operate equipment—you'll help produce the specialized inks and coatings that power Quad's nationwide printing operations. We invest in our employees through hands‑on training, opportunities to develop technical skills, and long‑term career growth in a unique manufacturing environment.

You’ll Enjoy

• Consistent Monday–Wednesday schedule with opportunities for overtime.
• Only three scheduled workdays each week, providing more time for family, hobbies, or personal interests.
• $3.00/hour night shift premium in addition to your base wage.
• Paid, hands‑on training in a specialized manufacturing process.
• Stable, year‑round employment.
• Opportunities to advance into skilled manufacturing and production roles.
• A collaborative culture focused on safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Compensation is based on experience, skills, qualifications, and other job‑related factors.

We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.

Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging — a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

Drug‑Free Workplace