Offset Press Assistant (Feeder Operator)

Oliver, Inc.; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver Inc. is seeking a second-shift Press Operator to join our legacy packaging operation in Massachusetts. You will team with a Lead Pressman to set up multi-color runs, review proofs, mount plates, and monitor inks and coatings for quality and consistency.

You’ll verify color with densitometry, perform routine maintenance, and assist apprentices while maintaining a clean, safe pressroom under 5S. Minimum 1 year press experience; strong color vision a must.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Excellent color vision and discrimination; comfort with fractions/decimals.
• At least 1 year operating a multi-color offset, flexographic, or gravure press; or experience as a 2nd Pressman/Feeder or Assistant Pressman on a multi-color offset crew.
• Preferred: 4-color process experience; Mitsubishi press familiarity; blanket changes, cylinder packing, press wash-up, and fountain system experience.
• Highly desirable: paperboard, UV inks, in-line coating, and scanning/handheld densitometry experience.
• Meticulous attention to detail with ongoing in-process quality checks.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated with a strong drive to learn, grow, and advance.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run multi-color packaging work with the Lead Pressman.
• Review job packets and proofs, mount plates and blankets.
• Dial in guides and detectors; maintain inks, coatings, and fountain solutions.
• Verify color with scanning densitometry and flag non-conformances.
• Wash units and change rollers; stage finished loads.
• Assist with make-ready and press maintenance.
• Operate and set up scanning densitometers to confirm print quality.
• Train Press Apprentices and cover Lead Pressman during breaks.
• Maintain safety and 5S in the pressroom.

Skills

Color vision

Press operation experience

4-color process

Mitsubishi press

Blanket changes

Fountain system experience

Densitometry

Quality checks

Attention to detail

Team training

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Scanning densitometer

Job description

Join a legacy printer where craftsmanship meets technology. Oliver Inc. blends more than two and a half centuries of know-how with modern, sustainable production to deliver speed, consistency, and nimbleness for premium packaging.

A day in this role

When you arrive for your second shift (3:00pm–11:30pm), you’ll team up with a Lead Pressman to set up and run multi-color packaging work. You’ll review job packets and proofs, mount plates and blankets, dial in guides and detectors, and keep inks, coatings, and fountain solutions flowing. As sheets fly, you’ll verify color with scanning densitometry, spot non-conformances early, and keep the pressroom clean and safe. Between jobs, you’ll wash up units, change rollers as needed, and stage finished loads so the next process can move without delay.

Core contributions

• Study job orders, department instructions, proofs, save sheets, and specs before each run.
• Assist with make-ready: install/remove printing plates, blankets, and coating blankets; pack plate/blanket cylinders per machine and paperboard specs.
• Set/adjust side guides, head stops, gripper fingers, and double-sheet detectors.
• Monitor fountain solution conductivity and maintain proper tank levels.
• Replenish offset powder, inks, coatings, and fountain solution throughout production; retrieve, install, and return inks and plates.
• Wash ink units, blankets, cylinders, and fountain tanks between jobs.
• Operate and set up scanning densitometers to confirm print quality; partner with the Lead Pressman to evaluate quality and flag non-conforming material.
• Support preventative maintenance, roller changes, and minor press repairs.
• Remove finished product from the press and transport to designated staging areas.
• Keep a safe, organized work area; follow all safety procedures and 5S habits.
• Assist with training Press Apprentices and cover the Lead Pressman during breaks as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you bring

• High school diploma or GED; ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Excellent color vision and discrimination; comfort with fractions/decimals.
• Basic computer literacy preferred.
• At least 1 year operating a multi-color offset, flexographic, or gravure press; or experience as a 2nd Pressman/Feeder or Assistant Pressman on a multi-color offset crew.
• Preferred: 4-color process experience; Mitsubishi press familiarity; blanket changes, cylinder packing, press wash-up, and fountain system experience.
• Highly desirable: paperboard, UV inks, in-line coating, and scanning/handheld densitometry experience.
• Meticulous attention to detail with ongoing in-process quality checks.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated with a strong drive to learn, grow, and advance.

Why you’ll love Oliver

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
• A stable, growing manufacturing company with multiple facilities.
• Career advancement, ongoing training, and skill development.
• A collaborative, safety-focused culture that values respect and creativity.

Proficiencies and tools

• Packaging experience; machine setups for production runs.
• In-line coating, paperboard, ultra-violet ink, multi-color offset.
• Machines/technologies you’ll use: Mitsubishi.

Equal Opportunity

Oliver Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.