Offset Press Operator

Smurfit Westrock Company; Marion (NC); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a Press Operator A to manage sheet-fed offset printing and lead Assistant Press Operators. The role prints single and multi-color jobs from lithographic plates, maintaining color accuracy and registration throughout runs.

You will set up presses, monitor quality, train junior operators, and ensure safety and SQF compliance in a fast-paced production environment. This position requires accuracy and teamwork in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 1–2 year work-related experience in a manufacturing environment running a multiple color printing press.
• Good understanding of measurements and tolerances.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work with little supervision.

Responsibilities

• Record sheet counts and perform line clearance.
• Examine job order to determine quantity, stock, colors, and printing instructions.
• Verify copy to customer approval or signed color standard.
• Set plates and fountains; save plate setting to computer.
• Fill ink and dampening solution fountains; adjust ink flow to plate cylinder.
• Load or remove printing plates; lock coating plates in position.
• Start press and inspect ink density, paper position, and registration.
• Assist in repair and preventive maintenance of press.
• Serve as trainer for Press Operator B and C positions.
• Follow safety policies and wear PPE; adhere to 5S and SQF guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Printing Manager or Shift Supervisor.

Skills

Mathematical ability

Problem-solving skills

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Independence/initiative

Attention to detail

Tools

Spectrophotometer

Densitometer

Printing press

Job description

The Press Operator A is accountable for all aspects of press performance; will lead, give directions to and monitor work of Assistant Press Operators and functions of feeder and jogger. Makes ready and operates sheet-fed offset printing press to print single and multicolor copy from lithographic plates.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Records sheet counts and perform line clearance.
• Examines job order to determine quantity to be printed, stock specifications, colors, and special printing instructions.
• Verifies copy to customer approval or signed color standard.
• Sets plates and fountains to provide correct in thickness on rollers; saves plate setting to computer.
• Fills ink and dampening solution fountains and adjusts controls to regulate flow of ink and dampening solution to plate cylinder.
• Applies packing sheets to blanket cylinder to build up blanket thickness to diameter of plate cylinder.
• Loads or removes printing plates and installs and locks coating plates in position.
• Starts press and examines printed copy for ink density, position on paper and registration.
• Set up scanning densitometer and saves settings.
• Understands how to achieve color by using the spectrophotometer.
• Makes adjustments to press throughout production run to maintain specific registration and color density.
• Removes and cleans coating plates, printing blankets, and cylinders.
• Will assist in the repair and preventative maintenance of press.
• Will serve as a trainer for the Press Operator B and C positions.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, safety rules, security procedures and instructions.
• Performs all duties according to established safety policy, including wearing all required PPEs to perform duties.
• This position will help keep department in specs within all 5S and SQF guidelines, and immediately report any food safety concerns to management.
• Will be responsible for other duties as assigned by Printing Manager or Shift Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1- 2-year work-related experience in a manufacturing environment running a multiple color printing press and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good mathematical ability, including good understanding of measurements.
• Good problem-solving skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work with little supervision.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.