Press Assistant - Stamping

Smurfit Westrock; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Health savings accounts

Retirement savings plans

Life and disability insurance

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in New Jersey is seeking a Hot Stamp Press Assistant to support the setup and operation of hot stamp equipment for high-quality stamping of cartons. You will organize materials, monitor runs, and help maintain a clean, safe work environment while following SOPs and safety guidelines.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, reliable attendance, and the ability to pass color vision tests, with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and write basic instructions and correspondence.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Must successfully complete a basic reading test.
• Must be able to pass color vision and color hue tests.
• Mechanical aptitude demonstrated by test results or prior experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with mechanical adjustments and setup of hot stamp equipment to meet production requirements.
• Review job tickets and select materials and quantities for each production run.
• Support material changeovers to maintain efficient workflow.
• Ensure materials are properly staged, organized, and ready for operation.
• Load and unload stock during machine operation.
• Monitor production runs and assist with quality checks of stamped sheets.
• Clean and maintain machinery and surrounding work areas.
• Assist with preventative maintenance of hot stamping equipment.
• Follow all standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately.
• Remove waste materials and maintain an organized workspace.
• Prepare materials for upcoming jobs to support continuous production flow.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support team objectives.

Skills

Reading & writing instructions

Safety rules interpretation

Color vision tests

Mechanical aptitude

Attendance reliability

Willingness to overtime

Ability to follow procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description & Requirements

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.

The Opportunity

As a Hot Stamp Press Assistant, you will support the Hot Stamp Press Operator in setting up and preparing equipment to ensure high-quality stamping and embossing of cartons. This role plays a critical part in maintaining production efficiency, ensuring materials are prepared and organized, and supporting consistent quality standards. A typical day involves assisting with machine setup, organizing materials, monitoring production runs, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

• Assist with mechanical adjustments and setup of hot stamp equipment to meet production requirements.
• Review job tickets and select appropriate materials and quantities for each production run.
• Support material changeovers to maintain efficient workflow.
• Ensure materials are properly staged, organized, and ready for operation.
• Load and unload stock during machine operation.
• Monitor production runs and assist with quality checks of stamped sheets.
• Clean and maintain machinery and surrounding work areas.
• Assist with preventative maintenance of hot stamping equipment.
• Follow all standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately.
• Remove waste materials and maintain an organized workspace.
• Prepare materials for upcoming jobs to support continuous production flow.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support team objectives.

What you need to succeed

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to read and write instructions and basic correspondence.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Successful completion of a basic reading test.
• Ability to pass color vision and color hue tests.
• Mechanical aptitude demonstrated by test results or prior experience.
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Employees are regularly required to stand, move throughout the work area, see, hear, and communicate effectively.

What we offer

• A corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with opportunities for ongoing learning and development.
• Competitive salary aligned with skills, experience, and potential.
• Career growth within a global packaging company focused on sustainability, safety, and inclusion.

The starting rate is $18.50- $21 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at www.westrock.com/company/careers and the application window is expected to close by 8/18/2026.

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.