Offset Press Operator at WestRock Marion, NC

Downtown Boulder Partnership; Marion (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Night Shift Offset Press Operator in Marion, NC. You will lead junior staff, operate a multi-color sheet-fed press from lithographic plates, and ensure color accuracy and productivity. The role requires careful setup, ink control, and adherence to safety standards.

You will monitor quality, train operators, and perform routine press maintenance while following 5S and SQF guidelines in a fast-paced packaging environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years in manufacturing operating multi-color printing or training.
• Good mathematical ability and measurements understanding.
• Proficient computer skills and data accuracy.
• Strong problem solving and teamwork skills.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate sheet-fed offset press to print from lithographic plates.
• Lead and direct Assistant Press Operators and feeder/jogger tasks.
• Set plates and fountains to proper thickness and save settings.
• Load/ unload printing plates and position coating plates.
• Check ink density and register; adjust to maintain color accuracy.
• Set up scanning densitometer and record calibration data.
• Use spectrophotometer to achieve required color, density and consistency.
• Perform press maintenance and assist with repairs as needed.
• Train junior operators and ensure safety and SQF 5S compliance.
• Adhere to all policies, PPE requirements and company safety rules.

Skills

Numerical skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Ability to follow instructions

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Scanning densitometer

Spectrophotometer

Job description

Job Description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber‑based packaging forward.

Hiring Immediately - Full Time

Offset Press Operator - Marion, NC

Nightshift

What we offer

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available immediately
• 401K with company match
• 80 hours of Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Other benefits such as company paid Long-Term & Short-Term Disability, Tuition Assistance and more
• Annual Reimbursement for Safety Shoes
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

The Opportunity

The Offset Press Operator 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.

• 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.

What you need to succeed

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• 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 computer skills.
• Good problem-solving skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

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