Operator Apprentice

Smurfit-Westrock; Conover (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Career growth opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Smurfit WestRock in Conover, NC, is seeking an entry-level Press Assistant to support daily printing operations, ensure color control, and help with defect detection. You’ll learn press setup, make-ready, and maintenance tasks while maintaining quality and safety standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on training, teamwork, and adherence to 5S housekeeping and SQF safety procedures, with opportunities to advance into a Printing Operator role.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and wear PPE as required.
• Ability to read and follow detailed training, production, and quality instructions.
• General math skills and ability to use measuring devices.

Responsibilities

• Assist Pressman in daily printing operations including color control and defect detection.
• Read and understand job jackets to ensure customer specs are met.
• Support make-ready activities, loading tickets, and routine machine maintenance.
• Train and develop skills to progress into a Printing Operator role.
• Meet production goals while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Skills

Reading job jackets

Math skills

Basic computer skills

Learning new equipment

Team communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

pH meters

Conductivity meters

Spectro densitometers

Viscosity cups

Stopwatches

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

T he Opportunity:

Responsible for assisting the Pressman in daily printing operations, including color control, register, coating applications, identifying defects, and supporting corrective actions. Learn all aspects of printing press operations through hands‑on training and skill development. Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards established by management. Follow all Smurfit WestRock Core Values and Behaviors. Additional duties may be assigned by the department manager.

How You Will Impact Smurfit WestRock:

• Assist Pressman in daily printing operations including color control, register adjustments, coating applications, and defect detection and correction.
• Read and understand job jackets to ensure jobs are produced according to customer specifications.
• Support make‑ready activities, load ticket generation, and routine machine maintenance.
• Train and develop technical skills needed for progression into a Printing Operator role.
• Meet production goals while maximizing machine efficiencies and maintaining quality standards.
• Assist with hanging printing plates and coater blankets and performing job set‑ups.
• Prepare presses by loading skids, ink, board stock, and other required materials.
• Wash, install, remove, and change blankets and rollers as required.
• Perform quality checks on cartons throughout the production process.
• Complete production reporting, notes, and other documentation within Shop Floor computer systems.
• Assist in maintaining printing equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Communicate effectively with team members and support plant initiatives and directives.
• Follow all safety requirements, including PPE usage, S.T.E.P. procedures, Safety Absolutes, and participation in safety programs.
• Maintain compliance with SQF requirements, safety policies, workplace procedures, and 5S housekeeping standards.

What You Need to Succeed:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow all safety guidelines and PPE requirements including safety glasses, steel/composite toe shoes, hearing protection, gloves, hair nets, beard nets, and bump caps.
• Strong adherence to workplace rules, policies, and compliance procedures.
• Ability to read and follow detailed instructions for training, production, and quality requirements.
• General math skills and ability to use measurement devices such as rulers, tape measures, and calculators.
• Ability to learn and operate testing equipment including pH meters, conductivity meters, spectro densitometers, viscosity cups, and stopwatches.
• General mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification and safely operate pallet jacks.
• Successful completion of the Farnsworth Munsell-100 Hue Test.
• Ability to perform quality inspections and monitor carton production standards.
• Basic computer skills and ability to utilize Plant Floor Data Collection Systems and Shop Floor applications.
• Ability to assist in training and development activities.

What We Offer:

• A workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing opportunities to learn and grow.
• Competitive compensation based on experience, skills, and performance.
• A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to daily operations

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

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.