Offset Press Assistant (Feeder Operator)

Oliver Packaging & Printing; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits package

Career advancement

Job summary

Oliver Inc. is seeking a dedicated Offset Press Assistant (Feeder) to support a Lead Pressman on multi-color packaging runs. You will set up and verify color, review proofs, and maintain ink and fountain solution flow.

The role emphasizes training others, performing make-ready tasks, and upholding strict safety and 5S standards in a fast-paced pressroom.

Qualifications

• Read and follow job packets, proofs, and specs.
• Maintain color accuracy and print quality during runs.
• Adhere to safety procedures and 5S practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with make-ready: mount plates, blankets, and coating blankets.
• Set up side guides, head stops, gripper fingers, and detectors.
• Monitor fountain solution and inks; perform minor press maintenance.
• Drive quality checks using scanning densitometry and flag non-conforming material.

Skills

Press operation

Color accuracy

Quality checks

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mitsubishi press

Densitometer

Job description

Offset Press Assistant (Feeder Operator)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 roleWhen 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 contributionsStudy 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 bringHigh 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 OliverCompetitive 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 toolsPackaging experience; machine setups for production runs.In-line coating, paperboard, ultra-violet ink, multi-color offset.Machines/technologies you’ll use: Mitsubishi.Ready to grow?If you’re a dependable 2nd Pressman/Feeder who takes pride in high-quality work and wants to build a long-term career in printing and packaging, we want to hear from you.Equal OpportunityOliver 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.