Die Cutter Operator

Smurfit-Westrock; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts or health-s

Retirement savings plans

Paid sick leave as required by law

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Die Cutter Operator to set up, run, and maintain die-cutting equipment for high-quality, on-spec products. You will read job tickets, monitor performance, perform make-ready procedures, and ensure a safe, clean work environment.

Candidates should have 2+ years in die-cutting or similar manufacturing roles, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work overtime as needed. Safety and quality are central to this role in a fast-paced plant setting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating die-cutting or similar manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, safety procedures, and production documents.
• Basic math skills and data entry for production records.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate die-cutting equipment according to job specs and production requirements.
• Read job tickets to determine setup requirements and operating instructions.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust to maintain quality and production standards.

Skills

Die-cutting experience

Read job tickets

Troubleshooting

Machine maintenance

Quality inspection

Data entry basics

Attention to detail

Overtime readiness

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The Opportunity

When you join Smurfit Westrock, you will be joining a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. As a Die Cutter Operator, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting die-cutting equipment to produce high-quality products that meet customer specifications and production requirements. This role is critical to ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing process.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Set up and operate die-cutting equipment according to job specifications and production requirements.
• Read and interpret job tickets to determine setup requirements and operating instructions.
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality and production standards.
• Perform make-ready procedures and routine machine maintenance.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and assist with repairs as needed.
• Complete production records and accurately track production data.
• Inspect products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Train and support team members on equipment operation and safe work practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to maximize production efficiency.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and operating procedures.
• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

What You Need to Succeed

• 2+ years of experience operating die-cutting or similar manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, safety procedures, and production documents.
• Basic computer and data entry skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to use measuring and inspection tools.
• Reliable attendance and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Experience in the folding carton, packaging, printing, or paper converting industry.
• Knowledge of die-cutting setup, make-readies, and quality inspection processes.
• Experience training or mentoring team members.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and machine troubleshooting.

Safety Requirements

• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, hard hats, and task-specific protective equipment.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following all safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify hazards and utilize Stop Work authority when appropriate.
• Completion of required safety and job-related training.

The starting rate is $26 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education.

• short-term bonus incentive
• health, dental and vision insurance
• flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts
• retirement savings plans
• life and disability insurance programs
• paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law
• 10 days of paid vacation
• 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change

To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.