Die Cutter Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Die Cutter Operator to set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot die-cutting equipment. You will follow job tickets, monitor performance, perform make-readies, and ensure quality while maintaining a safe work environment.

Responsibilities include documentation of production data, training teammates, and collaborating across departments to improve efficiency. Starting wage is competitive with benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating die-cutting or similar 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 accommodation.
• Experience in folding carton, packaging, printing, or paper converting industry.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Die-cutting operation

Troubleshooting

Data entry

Measuring tools

Math skills

Attention to detail

Overtime readiness

Team training

Safety compliance

Reading work instructions

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Quality inspection tools

Job description

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. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education.

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