Press Assistant - NIGHT SHIFT

Highcor; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is seeking a Press Assistant in Hickory for night shifts on a 12-hour schedule (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, Monday – Thursday). The role supports the Press Operator on a flexographic press to produce printed rolls of film, while meeting quality standards and maintaining a clean, safe workspace.

You’ll perform setup, monitor print quality, verify plate numbers, stage materials, and assist in training new press assistants.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools preferred.
• Read and follow both verbal and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the operation and production of the press, including support of print quality standards.
• Understand basic printing terminology, press components, and their general use.
• Maintain cleanliness of presses and surrounding work areas.
• Stage press components for upcoming jobs, including sleeves, anilox, ink, and film.
• Verify plate numbers against item specification sheets.
• Maintain required levels of materials such as ink and film to keep the press running efficiently.
• Support print quality by monitoring print position, copy accuracy, UPC codes, register, and impressions.
• Account for all film used and returned during the shift.
• Apply roll tickets and weights to each roll and maintain accurate records in Shop Floor computer systems.
• Return inks, plates, sleeves, and film to proper locations with correct identification after each order.
• Learn Press Operator functions and fill in during operator absences when needed.
• Assist in training probationary Press Assistants.
• Locate and follow packout instructions to meet customer requirements.
• Monitor press operation during breaks, identify defects, and stop press when needed to prevent waste.
• Properly clean drum, nip rolls, and chill roll.
• Acknowledge and monitor doctor blade chamber condition.
• Perform other duties as directed by Shift Leader or Production Manager.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Mechanical aptitude

Read and follow instructions

Stable work history

Stand for long periods

Lift up to 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Position: Press Assistant Location: Hickory Shift: Night Shift | 12-hour shifts | 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM | Monday – Thursday Pay Rate: $19.32 /hour + $2.00/hour shift differential

Summary Description The Press Assistant supports the Press Operator on a flexographic printing press to produce printed rolls of film according to company and customer specifications, while meeting quality standards in the most efficient and economical manner possible. This role also helps maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assist in the operation and production of the press, including support of print quality standards
• Understand basic printing terminology, press components, and their general use
• Maintain cleanliness of presses and surrounding work areas
• Stage press components for upcoming jobs, including sleeves, anilox, ink, and film
• Verify plate numbers against item specification sheets
• Maintain required levels of materials such as ink and film to keep the press running efficiently
• Support print quality by monitoring print position, copy accuracy, UPC codes, register, and impressions
• Account for all film used and returned during the shift
• Apply roll tickets and weights to each roll and maintain accurate records in Shop Floor computer systems
• Return inks, plates, sleeves, and film to proper locations with correct identification after each order
• Learn Press Operator functions and fill in during operator absences when needed
• Assist in training probationary Press Assistants
• Locate and follow packout instructions to meet customer requirements
• Monitor press operation during breaks, identify defects, and stop press when needed to prevent waste
• Properly clean drum, nip rolls, and chill roll
• Acknowledge and monitor doctor blade chamber condition
• Perform other duties as directed by Shift Leader or Production Manager

We’d Love to Hear From You

• If You are mechanically inclined and comfortable using hand tools
• You can read and follow both verbal and written instructions
• You have prior manufacturing experience (preferred but not required)
• You have a stable work history with strong attendance and safety habits
• You can stand for long periods of time
• You can lift up to 50 pounds
• You are comfortable performing repetitive movements in a production environment

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Benefits

Benefits At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support overall wellbeing.

Benefits may vary based on location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans including life, accident, and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

Our Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging business serves North America, Latin America and Europe with 22 locations. We create and manufacture sustainable packaging solutions. Our customers span the food, retail, and medical sectors. Our packaging meets the needs of a wide range of applications including snacks, condiments, healthcare items, prepared meals, fresh produce, coffee, and pet food. We are committed to responsible packaging that protects products and supports a healthier planet.

Our Vision

Change the World through Packaging Innovation

Our Mission

Foster a society focused on well-being and sustainability, while safeguarding our planet for future generations, through the continuous development of innovative packaging solutions that explore cutting‑edge materials and technologies.

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