Coating Machine Operator - 1st Shift
Heartland Label Printers
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Job summary
Heartland Label Printers in Wisconsin is seeking a Coating Machine Operator to set up, operate, and monitor coating and printing equipment for label rolls and related products. You will ensure safety, quality, and efficiency while following customer specifications and company procedures.
You will lead and guide assigned Coating Machine Assistants, review production documents, adjust equipment settings, and maintain accurate records. The role requires mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Experience operating coating, printing or similar manufacturing equipment preferred.
- Experience in flexographic printing, coating applications, or label manufacturing preferred.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Ability to read and interpret job specifications and technical documents.
Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and monitor coating and printing equipment.
- Adjust machine speed, coating weights, ink flow and other parameters for quality and efficiency.
- Load raw materials and unload finished products.
- Maintain production records and logs.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Description
The Coating Machine Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of coating and printing equipment used to produce high-quality label rolls, fanfold products, and sheeted materials. This position ensures production is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and company procedures. The Coating Machine Operator also provides leadership and guidance to assigned Coating Machine Assistants.
- Set up, operate, and monitor coating and printing equipment to produce products according to customer specifications and production schedules.
- Review job orders and production documentation to determine quantities, materials, colors, coating requirements, production timelines, and machine settings.
- Select, install, and adjust printing plates, rollers, dies, cylinders, gauges, and related machine components.
- Set and adjust machine speed, temperature, pressure, coating weights, ink flow, and other operating parameters to ensure optimal performance.
- Monitor machine operation and product output, adjusting as necessary to maintain quality and efficiency.
- Load raw materials and substrates into equipment and unload finished products.
- Follow approved formulas and procedures to weigh, mix, and prepare coating solutions for application to various substrates, including paper and film materials.
- Measure and adjust ink color, viscosity, and pH in accordance with manufacturer and customer specifications.
- Apply coatings consistently to achieve required coat weights and performance characteristics.
- Conduct testing of coatings and finished products to verify quality and functionality.
- Inspect products throughout production for print clarity, color accuracy, coating performance, and compliance with specifications.
- Conduct routine quality checks using measuring devices, testing equipment, and visual inspections.
- Identify defects, troubleshoot issues, and make process adjustments to ensure product quality.
- Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, and equipment logs.
- Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and preventive maintenance on coating and printing equipment.
- Monitor equipment performance and identify potential maintenance concerns.
- Assist with troubleshooting machine malfunctions and coordinate repairs when necessary.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company standards.
- Provide direction, training, and support to Coating Machine Assistants.
- Promote teamwork and effective communication within the production department.
- Support continuous improvement efforts and contribute to achieving departmental goals.
- Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure safe operation of machinery.
- Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, and workplace hazards.
- Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as authorized and trained.
- Utilize inventory management systems, scanners, and production software as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Demonstrates ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and accepts accountability for performance and results.
Maintains a high level of precision in machine setup, product quality, documentation, and production processes.
Responds effectively to changing priorities, production demands, and operational requirements.
Communicates clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors, quality personnel, and other departments.
Maintains an organized work environment and effectively manages production activities and documentation.
Identifies production issues, evaluates solutions, and takes appropriate corrective action.
Recognizes and addresses safety risks while maintaining compliance with established safety standards.
Provides guidance, coaching, and support to team members while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Prior experience operating coating, printing, converting, or similar manufacturing equipment preferred.
- Experience in flexographic printing, coating applications, or label manufacturing preferred.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to utilize production software, inventory systems, and scanning technology.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.
- Ability to read and interpret job specifications, production orders, and technical documents.
- Knowledge of quality control processes and measuring equipment preferred.
- Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification as required.
Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to:
- Moving machinery and mechanical equipment
- Noise, vibration, heat, and varying temperatures
- Inks, coatings, solvents, and other production materials
- Material handling activities and production-related hazards
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Standing: Constantly
- Walking: Frequently
- Sitting: Occasionally
- Handling Materials: Constantly
- Reaching Outward: Frequently
- Reaching Above Shoulder: Frequently
- Bending: Frequently
- Climbing: Occasionally
- Crawling: Occasionally
- Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally
- Up to 10 lbs: Constantly
- 11–20 lbs: Frequently
- 21–50 lbs: Frequently
- 51–100 lbs: Frequently
- Over 100 lbs: Occasionally (with assistance or appropriate equipment as required)
- Up to 12 lbs: Constantly
- 13–25 lbs: Frequently
- 26–40 lbs: Frequently
- 41–100 lbs: Occasionally
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Heartland Label Printers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the work eligibility of all new hires following an accepted job offer.
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