Kluge Foil Stamper Operator - 2nd Shift

Primary Color Systems Corporation; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Primary Color Systems Corporation seeks an experienced Foil Stamping / Embossing Machine Operator to set up, operate, and maintain hot foil stamping, embossing, and die-cutting machinery for packaging, labels, and promotional items.

You will verify quality against proofs, adjust presses for precise alignment, and document production metrics while maintaining safe, organized work areas. A background with metal foiling and die-cutting equipment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years operating hot foil stamping, embossing, or die-cutting equipment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and proofs.

Responsibilities

• Set up foil stamping and embossing equipment per job tickets.
• Mount dies, adjust pressure, temperature, and feeding mechanisms.
• Run test sheets to verify register and foil adhesion.
• Perform micro-adjustments during high-speed runs to maintain quality and minimize waste.
• Inspect output for defects (registration, coverage, depth, scuffing).
• Maintain accurate job logs including run speed, material usage, and scrap rates.

Skills

Thermal transfer knowledge

Foil types understanding

Press proofs reading

Precision alignment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kluge

Bobst

Heidelberg Platen/Cylinder

Brandtjen & Kluge

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Foil Stamping / Embossing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining hot foil stamping, embossing, and die-cutting machinery to produce high-quality printed materials (e.g., packaging, labels, stationary, promotional items). This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, precise attention to detail, and a focus on maintaining strict quality control standards throughout production runs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Set up foil stamping and embossing equipment according to job ticket specifications, including mounting dies, adjusting pressure, calibration of temperature, and feeding mechanism adjustments.
• Select, load, and thread appropriate metallic or pigmented foil rolls onto tension spindles.
• Perform test runs to verify register, impression, foil adhesion, and visual quality against approved job proofs.
• Make precise micro-adjustments during high-speed runs to ensure continuous accuracy and minimal waste.
• Inspect production output regularly for defect types (e.g., flaking, incomplete coverage, off-register stamping, excessive impression depth, or scuffing).
• Maintain accurate job logs, tracking run speeds, material usage, scrap rates, and completed quantities.
• Report any material defects or artwork/die discrepancies immediately to supervisor or prepress team.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on stamping presses (cleaning, lubricating, inspecting wear components).
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues, heat control fluctuations, or feeding problems during production.
• Keep work area clean, organized, and compliant with standard operating procedures and safety regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Understanding of thermal transfer, foil types (metallic, pigment, holographic), die materials (magnesium, copper, brass), and paper stock characteristics.
• Ability to read press proofs, scale measurements accurately in fractions/decimals, and interpret complex production shop tickets.
• Keen eye for visual alignment, precise register control, and subtle color/texture differences.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years operating hot foil stamping, embossing, or die-cutting equipment (e.g., Kluge, Bobst, Heidelberg Platen/Cylinder, Brandtjen & Kluge) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (8–12 hour shifts).
• Frequent lifting, pulling, and bending (up to 40–50 lbs of paper stock, dies, or foil rolls).
• Exposure to noise, ambient heat from heating elements, and standard print shop machinery operation.