Finishing Operator

Momentara Services, LLC; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Momentara Services, LLC is seeking a Finishing Operator to safely set up and run guillotine cutters, ensuring precise trims per job specs. The role requires reading complex job tickets, adjusting cutter settings, and maintaining quality while supporting downstream finishing processes.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of experience with guillotine cutters, strong math and measurement skills, and the ability to work overtime or varied shifts in a fast-paced printing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience operating commercial guillotine cutters.
• Familiarity with Polar, Challenge, Wohlenberg, or similar cutter types.
• Strong math skills and ability to read job dockets, layouts, and cut lists.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment setup and adjustments.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and quality control.
• Ability to stand, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts as required.
• Experience in commercial printing, finishing, or packaging environments.
• Knowledge of paper grain, weight, and cutting performance considerations.
• Familiarity with cutting software (Polar or similar).

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain guillotine paper cutters to trim material per specs.
• Read and interpret job tickets, layouts, and cutting instructions for accuracy.
• Program cutter settings using digital control systems for precise cuts.
• Check first cuts with measurement tools and adjust as needed.
• Cut various materials including coated/uncoated paper and substrates.
• Follow safety protocols for cutter operation and blade handling.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to keep equipment running smoothly.
• Work with pressroom, bindery, and grand-format teams to meet deadlines.
• Maintain production records and log sheets.

Skills

Guillotine cutters

Commercial printing

Mathematical skills

Reading job dockets

Mechanical aptitude

Detail oriented

Physical stamina

Overtime flexibility

Polar/Wohlenberg expertise

Industry knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Polar system

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Finishing Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient setup and operation of guillotine paper cutters used to trim printed sheets or raw stock to precise dimensions. The operator must ensure quality, accuracy, and productivity while maintaining a clean and organized work area. Experience operating flatbed die-cutters such as Bobst (40\") , Thomson (53\") , Cahue (79\") , Rollem (30\") , and Kluge (19\") and with guillotine cutters such as Polar and Wohlenberg in various sizes (e.g., 54\", 110\") is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set up, operate, and maintain guillotine paper cutters to trim paper or printed material according to job specifications.
• Read and interpret job tickets, layouts, and cutting instructions to ensure accuracy and compliance with customer requirements.
• Program cutter settings using digital control systems to achieve precise cuts.
• Check first cuts for accuracy using measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, rulers) and make adjustments as needed.
• Cut various materials including coated/uncoated paper, cover stock, label stock, and specialty substrates.
• Perform proper jogging, stacking, and waste removal to support downstream production processes.
• Follow all safety protocols for cutter operation, including handling of blades and mechanical guards.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Department to ensure maintenance and minor repairs are completed to keep equipment running efficiently.
• Work closely with pressroom, bindery, and grand-format teams to meet production deadlines.
• Maintain accurate production records and log sheets.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience operating commercial guillotine cutters.
• Familiarity with cutter types such as Polar, Challenge, Wohlenberg, or similar.
• Strong math skills and ability to read job dockets, layouts, and cut lists.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment setup and adjustments.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and quality control.
• Ability to stand, lift (up to 50 lbs), and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts as required.
• Experience in commercial printing, finishing, or packaging environments.
• Knowledge of paper grain, weight, and characteristics relevant to cutting performance.
• Familiarity with cutting software (e.g., Polar or similar systems).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Able to stand/work on feet for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Manufacturing floor with exposure to cutting machinery, paper dust, and noise.
• Use of PPE as required (e.g., gloves, safety glasses, ear protection).
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.