Machine Operator - Press Assistant 2

Lakeside Book Company; Hagerstown, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clean and safe work environment

Work-life balance

Growth and promotion opportunities

Great culture and co-workers

Job summary

Phoenix Color in Hagerstown, MD is seeking a Press Assistant / Feeder to support our high-speed pressroom operations. You will work alongside pressmen to keep presses running, assist with basic setups, and manage inks and chemistry while upholding quality and safety standards.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and mechanical aptitude; prior printing experience is a plus, but training is provided. Shift is Wed–Sat, 7am–7pm, with pay of $21–$27.40 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Mechanical inclination and ability to read a ruler.
• Willingness to be trained in printing processes.

Responsibilities

• Press Setup Support: assist lead operator with basic press setups.
• Supply & Chemistry Management: monitor and mix inks and inline solutions.
• Job Ticket Interpretation: read and follow job tickets to match specifications.
• Quality & Production Targets: help crew meet daily production goals and quality standards.
• Maintenance & Housekeeping: perform routine machine maintenance and keep area clean.

Skills

Technical basics

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Read a ruler

Work ethic

Education

High school diploma

Job description

18249 Phoenix Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Phoenix Color® is a premier full-service, full-color printer with over 40 years of superior print experience. Drawing on a broad spectrum of materials and decorative technologies, Phoenix Color® produces memorable, value-added components, heavily-illustrated books and specialty commercial products.

Phoenix Color® has been servicing the publishing industry within the United States since 1979 and has formed lasting relationships with some of the biggest names in book publishing.

As a domestic manufacturer, we offer extensive, in-house digital pre-press capabilities and our technologically advanced UV printing platform supports an array of printing and finishing options. Our innovative special effects include foil stamping, UV embellishments and laminations, as well as our trademarked products LithoFoil®, MetalTone™, Look of Leather™ and VibraColor™.

Phoenix Color’s® progressive innovation and commitment to quality will give your product the optimum eye-catching edge required in today’s competitive marketplace.

Looking to build your career in the commercial printing industry? We are seeking a reliable and motivated Press Assistant / Feeder to support our pressroom operations.

In this role, you will work directly alongside our Pressmen to keep our high-speed printing presses running efficiently. You will handle essential setup tasks, manage press chemistry and supplies, and help maintain strict quality and safety standards. If you are mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced team environment, this is your opportunity to grow.

Pay: $21 /hr. - $27.40 /hr.

Shift: Wednesday to Saturday 7am -7pm

Location: 18249 Phoenix Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21742

Job Responsibilities:

• Press Setup Support: Assist the lead operator with basic press setups, including loading paper, hanging plates, and preparing blankets.
• Supply & Chemistry Management: Monitor, mix, and maintain proper levels of inks, chemicals, and inline solutions required for each job run.
• Job Ticket Interpretation: Read and follow specific job tickets to ensure materials perfectly match customer specifications.
• Quality & Production Targets: Perform all assigned tasks efficiently to help the crew meet daily production goals and quality standards.
• Maintenance & Housekeeping: Perform routine, basic machine maintenance and keep the press area clean, safe, and organized.

What You Bring

• Technical Basics: Mechanically inclined with the ability to accurately read a standard ruler and follow written, technical instructions.
• Attributes: High attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work seamlessly as part of a close-knit team.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Preferred Experience: Prior manufacturing experience or technical training with a concentration in printing is a big plus, but we are willing to train the right candidate!

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk continuously for a 12-hour shift.
• Strength: Comfortable lifting up to 60 lbs regularly throughout the day.
• Environment: Able to work safely in a manufacturing plant setting with potential exposure to liquid chemicals or vapors common to the printing process.

What we offer:

• Clean and safe work environment
• Work-life balance
• Growth and promotion opportunities
• Great culture and co-workers

Learn more at www.phoenixcolor.com.

Phoenix Color provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

18249 Phoenix Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742, USA