Experienced - Flexographic Press Operator

Emerald Packaging, Inc.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerald Packaging, Inc. is seeking an Experienced Flexographic Press Operator for our Santa Ana, CA facility. The role supports a 2nd shift with a future transition to a 5-day, 12-hour schedule as operations scale.

You will set up and run flexographic presses, monitor ink systems and print quality, and ensure efficient production with minimal waste. This is a temp-to-hire opportunity with potential for direct hire based on performance.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating flexographic presses in packaging or film environments.
• Ability to set up, adjust, and troubleshoot presses and print quality.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to production standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the designated flexographic press safely and efficiently.
• Perform press setups, changeovers, and adjustments per job specs.
• Read job orders and production specs to ensure correct printing parameters.
• Check ink systems, anilox rolls, and doctor blades for proper setup.
• Maintain print quality, monitor color, registration, and waste near zero.

Skills

Flexographic printing

Press setup

Quality inspection

Job description

$30/hour | Santa Ana, CA | 2nd Shift

Join the Emerald Family!

Emerald Packaging is a family-owned business that has been serving the fresh produce industry throughout the U.S. for nearly 60 years. We are one of the leading flexible packaging producers on the West Coast, with more than 250 employees operating 24/7.

Emerald Packaging is expanding—and we are looking for an experienced Flexographic Press Operator to join our new Santa Ana operation.

If you have hands-on experience setting up and operating flexographic printing presses in a flexible packaging or film environment, we want to hear from you!

Job Summary

The Experienced Flexographic Press Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and monitoring of flexographic printing equipment used to produce high-quality flexible packaging products.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on flexographic press experience and is capable of independently performing press setups, changeovers, adjustments, troubleshooting, and quality checks while maintaining production efficiency and minimizing downtime and material waste.

Essential Functions

• Set up and operate designated flexographic printing press equipment safely, efficiently, and accurately.
• Perform press setups, adjustments, and changeovers according to customer job specifications and production requirements.
• Read and accurately use rulers, tape measures, and other measuring tools; strong measurement skills are critical for press setup and quality control.
• Read, understand, and follow customer job orders, production specifications, and work instructions.
• Set up and properly adjust anilox rolls, doctor blades, ink systems, impression settings, and other press components as required for each job.
• Monitor and adjust ink viscosity, ink flow, color, registration, impression, tension, speed, and other process conditions to maintain consistent print quality.
• Monitor print registration and color consistency throughout the production run and make necessary adjustments to maintain customer specifications.
• Inspect printed film and finished product for defects, color variation, registration issues, ink coverage, and other quality concerns.
• Identify and troubleshoot press, ink, registration, and print-quality issues and make appropriate adjustments to correct problems.
• Recognize issues involving anilox rolls, doctor blades, ink viscosity, impression, or other press components and take corrective action as appropriate.
• Accurately complete required production, quality, and downtime documentation.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and company policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Previous hands-on experience operating flexographic printing presses is required.
• Experience in flexible packaging, film, printing, converting, or a similar manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work the required schedule.
• Ability to eventually work a 5 Day 12-hour schedule.

Work Schedule

Current Schedule: Four Day, Monday – Thursday, 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Future Schedule: The position will eventually transition to a Five Day, 12-hour schedule (Monday – Friday: 6:00pm – 6:00am).

Compensation

• $30.00 per hour

TEMP-TO-HIRE POSITION

Opportunity for direct hire based on performance and previous experience.