Flexographic Press Operator

FBSPL; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

FBSPL in Baltimore, MD seeks an experienced Flexographic Press Operator with hands-on experience operating wide-web flexographic printing presses. The ideal candidate will work with solvent-based inks, color matching, and precise registration to ensure high-quality output.

You will set up and operate an 8-color Uteco flexographic web press, install sleeves and ink systems, monitor viscosity and color consistency, and perform make-ready activities and job changeovers while maintaining safety

Qualifications

• Hands-on flexographic printing experience required.
• Experience with wide-web flexographic presses.
• Knowledge of solvent-based inks, color matching and web handling.
• Ability to read production orders and quality specifications.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate an 8-color Uteco flexographic web press.
• Install and change sleeves, anilox rolls, doctor blades and ink systems.
• Mix and monitor solvent-based inks to maintain viscosity and color.
• Register print stations to maintain color alignment.
• Monitor print quality throughout the production process.
• Adjust web tension, drying temperatures and press speeds.
• Perform make-ready activities and job changeovers.
• Read and follow production orders, job specifications and quality requirements.

Skills

Flexographic printing

Wide-web printing

Color matching

Print registration

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Tools

Uteco press

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Flexographic Press Operator with hands‑on experience operating wide-web flexographic printing presses. The ideal candidate will have experience with flexo printing, solvent-based inks, color matching, web handling, print registration, and press changeovers.

Uteco press experience is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate an 8-color Uteco flexographic web press.
• Install and change print sleeves, anilox rolls, doctor blades, and ink systems.
• Mix and monitor solvent-based inks to maintain proper viscosity and color consistency.
• Register, print stations to maintain accurate color alignment.
• Monitor print quality throughout the production process.
• Adjust web tension, drying temperatures, and press speeds.
• Perform efficient make‑ready activities and job changeovers.
• Dirty print
• Dot gain
• Ink smearing
• Perform routine press cleaning and maintenance.
• Follow safety procedures when handling flammable solvents and operating high‑speed printing equipment.
• Read and follow production orders, job specifications, and quality requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on flexographic (flexo) printing experience – MUST HAVE.
• Experience operating wide‑web flexographic presses.
• Strong understanding of:
• Solvent‑based ink systems
• Color matching
• Plate mounting
• Web tension control
• Print registration
• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to identify and correct common flexographic printing defects.
• Ability to read production orders and quality specifications.
• Ability to work safely around high‑speed machinery and flammable solvents.

Preferred Experience

• Uteco 8-color CI gearless press experience.
• Experience with enclosed ink metering systems.