Press Assistant

Printpack; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Printpack, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, is seeking operators to support press operations and manage ink systems. The ideal candidate will handle material preparation and maintenance, ensuring food safety compliance and efficiency.

Successful applicants will have previous manufacturing experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The role requires physical capabilities and offers an additional shift premium for night shifts.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must pass pre-employment assessment.
• Drug screening required.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Support press operator with quality monitoring and machine efficiency.
• Manage ink and coating systems including viscosity control.
• Execute material handling duties including roll preparation and loading.
• Perform equipment maintenance and doctor blade changes.
• Safely operate elevator and handle press components during changeovers.
• Prepare and organize pre-setup materials for efficient transitions.
• Maintain waste management procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards.
• Monitor and replenish operational supplies.
• Support quality control processes.

Skills

Basic Mechanical Aptitude

Ability to safely operate material handling equipment

Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately

Strong teamwork and communication skills

Reliable attendance and punctuality

Strong attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Basic computer literacy

Multi-tasking capabilities

Problem identification skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures

Education

Previous manufacturing experience preferred

Previous Press or Pre-Press experience preferred

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Support press operator with quality monitoring, machine efficiency optimization, and future job staging for changeovers
• Manage ink and coating systems including viscosity control, filling, and maintenance of inks, varnishes, adhesives, and cold seals
• Execute material handling duties including roll preparation, loading, splicing, and removal of finished products and waste materials
• Perform equipment maintenance including doctor blade changes, machine cleaning, and participation in scheduled Preventative Maintenance programs
• Safely operate elevator and handle press components during changeovers, including management of print cylinders, aniloxes, doctor blade chambers, and ink pans
• Prepare and organize pre-setup materials such as sleeves, mandrels, anilox rolls, and inks for efficient job transitions
• Maintain waste management procedures including weighing startup rolls and waste materials, and emptying refuse containers
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards and 5S methodology through proper housekeeping and workplace organization
• Monitor and replenish operational supplies including inks, adhesives, and other consumables while maintaining inventory levels
• Support quality control processes by assisting with inspection procedures and maintaining cleanliness standards while following all safety protocols

Education & Experience

• Previous manufacturing experience preferred
• Previous Press or Pre-Press experience preferred

Required Skills

• Basic Mechanical Aptitude
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Multi-tasking capabilities
• Problem identification skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures

Additional Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must pass pre-employment assessment
• Drug screening required
• Background check required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of printing processes and equipment
• Material handling requirements
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Cleaning and maintenance procedures
• Food safety standards
• Safety compliance with protocols and procedures
• Time management
• Following standard operating procedures
• Basic mathematical calculations

Physical Demands

• Capability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to climb, kneel, bend, reach, stoop and squat
• Proficiency in grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine motor skills
• Ability to pass Ishihara color test
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs safely
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to wear required PPE (hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, safety glasses)
• Ability to become certified in material handling equipment

Work Conditions

• Noise levels above 80 dB
• Operation of complex machinery
• Solvents, fumes and inks
• Variable Temperatures
• Must be able to work flexible shifts
• May require nights, weekends, and holidays
• An additional $2.50/hr premium for NIGHT Shift only between the hours of 7pm-7am. Any hours worked outside of 7pm-7am will not receive the premium

Additional Internal Requirements

• Must demonstrate Core Values
• Must be in good standing with no disciplinary action or attendance issues (Associates in Written or higher stage of counseling are not eligible to apply)
• Must have performer or higher rating in last review
• Demonstrated sense of urgency in production recovery situations

Printpack is proudly an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.