Die Cut Operator

Smurfit Westrock plc; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities

Competitive compensation reflecting skills and experience

Culture built on integrity, respect, and accountability

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a Die Cut Operator in Indianapolis, Indiana. The role involves operating and maintaining die cutting equipment to ensure production meets specifications. Candidates should have at least two years of experience with manufacturing equipment, particularly flatbed die cutters. Responsibilities include setting up machines, monitoring operations, troubleshooting, and ensuring product quality. The company offers training, competitive compensation, and a commitment to safety and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience operating manufacturing equipment; experience with flatbed die cutters is preferred.
• Strong understanding of die cutting processes and equipment operation.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and job tickets.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude through testing or prior work experience.
• Ability to recognize packaging defects and ensure products meet quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain die cutting equipment to meet production requirements.
• Monitor machine operations during press runs and make necessary adjustments.
• Inspect product quality and identify common packaging defects.
• Maintain accurate production records using required forms and systems.
• Train and support other employees on safe and proper machine setup.
• Follow all standard operating procedures and safety requirements.

Job description

The Opportunity:

Die Cut Operator is responsible for performing manual and machine operations involved in the setup, maintenance, and operation of die cutting equipment. This role ensures products are accurately produced to customer specifications while maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency standards. A typical day includes preparing equipment, reviewing job tickets, performing make‑readies, monitoring machine performance, completing quality checks, and maintaining production records.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Set up, operate, and maintain die cutting equipment to meet customer specifications and production requirements.
• Read and interpret job tickets to determine setup specifications, instructions, and production priorities.
• Monitor machine operations during press runs, identify malfunctions, and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Perform make‑readies, blind make‑readies, and routine press adjustments throughout production runs.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and troubleshooting on die cutting equipment.
• Inspect product quality and identify common packaging defects such as cracking, tearing, light cutting, or misalignment.
• Maintain accurate production records, including time spent on tasks and daily output, using required forms and systems.
• Open machines as needed to remove or replace damaged product using appropriate hand tools.
• Train and support other employees on safe and proper machine setup and operation.
• Work collaboratively with team members across departments to maximize production efficiency.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and compliant with safety and environmental guidelines.
• Follow all standard operating procedures, department policies, and safety requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of operational needs.

What you need to succeed:

• Minimum of two years of experience operating manufacturing equipment; experience with flatbed die cutters handling board stock and paper preferred.
• Strong understanding of die cutting processes, make‑readies, and equipment operation.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and job tickets.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude through testing or prior work experience.
• Ability to use pre‑make ready tables and inspection tools such as rulers, calipers, and micrometers.
• Working knowledge of nicking processes, spotting sheets, stripping boards, and counter plates.
• Experience using rubber, cork, underlay, spotting tape, and matrix materials appropriately.
• Knowledge of tonnage adjustment processes, manual tonnage operation, and register pin usage.
• Ability to repair and modify dies, including creasing rules and cutting knives.
• Ability to recognize packaging defects and ensure products meet quality standards.
• Ability to pass color vision and color hue tests.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Employees are required to sit, stand, walk, remain mobile, talk, see, and hear throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

What we offer:

• A culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation reflecting skills, experience, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where safety, sustainability, and inclusion are foundational to daily work.