Press Op Trainee NW- 1st Shift

Interstate-Packagin; White Bluff (TN); On-site; USD 16,531,000 - 24,797,000; Full time

Job summary

Interstate-Packagin in White Bluff, TN seeks a Printing Press Operator Trainee to support wide-web/narrow-web processing, ensuring products meet customer specs. The trainee will learn setup and maintain operation of designated press equipment.

Candidates must have a high school diploma, strong mechanical aptitude, color discernment, and the ability to lift 50–75 lb. The role requires standing for long periods, attention to detail, and precise measurement with rulers, tapes, and gauges.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to distinguish subtle color variations.
• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs without assistance.
• Stand for long periods and perform physical tasks.
• Basic math skills and ability to read rulers, tape measures, micrometers and gauges.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support wide-web/narrow-web press processes.
• Perform basic visual checks for print defects.
• Monitor ink levels and assist with splicing at unwind.
• Prepare substrates, sleeves, plates, inks, and tools for jobs.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the press area.
• Record readings and communicate issues to supervisor.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Color vision

Heavy lifting

Stand/walk long periods

Basic math

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Rulers

Tape measures

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

Job Summary: The Printing Press Operator Trainee’s primary role is to effectively support theprocesses in the wide-web/narrow-web department to ensure that our product meets or exceeds ourcustomer requirements. The trainee must possess the mechanical aptitude to set up and maintainoperation of their designated machine.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Production & Press Operation:Be at workstation within 3 minutes of reporting timePerform basic visual checks for print defectsMonitor ink levelsAssist with splicing at unwindStay busy when press is downJob Prep & Wrap-Up:Review work orders and confirm job details (substrate, materials, plates, inks, etc…)Stage substrate, sleeves, anilox rolls, printing plates, inks, etc…Prepare cores and tape for splicing and toolsFill ink chambers, install/load ink pans & doctor bladesAssist with installing anilox rolls, sleeves, and plate cylindersExamine plate quality to only accept plates suitable to print the jobStage next job’s materialsClean up and any other procedures related to the completion of jobsSafety & Compliance:Adhere to all required safety practices, including use of PPE, lockout/tagout, and machine guarding proceduresEnsure compliance with facility food safety (GMP), product safety, and quality standardsPerforms job in manner that protects the health and safety of all employeesCheck press area for cleanliness and remove hazardsKeep press area cleanCommunication & Collaboration:Communicate issues to lead operatorProperly make computer entriesRecord readings (speed, scrap counts, basic QC checks) as instructedFollow chain of command from supervisor to department manager to plant manager, etc…Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalentPrevious manufacturing or mechanical experienceAbility to distinguish between subtle color variations (Not colorblind)Ability to lift 50-75 lbs. without the assistance of a hoist or mechanical deviceAbility to stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, and climbAbility to work in a fast-paced, physically active environmentStrong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with complex press equipmentBasic math skills and ability to read rulers, tape measures, micrometers, and gaugesBasic reading skills necessary to properly understand production orders, reports, warning signs, etc…Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail under production demandsEssential Physical & Cognitive Functions:Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of colors accurately in order to match samples and color designations in ordersMust have eyesight whether correct or not, which allows pressman to distinguish hairlines, registration, mounting accuracy and ink lay-down to print suitable qualityMust be able to lift 50 – 75-pound air shafts without the assistance of a hoist and must be able to manipulate 100 – 300 pounds with the assistance of mechanical devicesMust be agile (bending, stooping, squatting, climbing, etc.) in order to climb up on press, move cylinders, adjust equipment and avoid dangerous moving machineryMust have a good sense of smell to distinguish odors from materials and smell smoke in case of fireMust have good hearing to follow directions and coordinate procedures with fellow employees and to hear warning signalsReflexes must be in excellent condition for quick response time on moving machinery to avoid serious injury to his/her or other employee’s limbs or other life-threatening injuriesMust be completely alert at all times to operate machinery in a proper mannerMust be able to read a ruler and have other general math skills to measure roll diameters, roll widths, package sizes, etc…Must have directionality to distinguish right and left sides of machinery and to follow operating instructions from other employees and from written instructionsMust be able to comprehend and follow detailed instructions without constant supervisionMust be able to communicate operating problems to supervisorMust have spatial skills, which can be applied to judge dimensions necessary for operation of machineryMust have mechanical ability to learn how the press operates including anilox rollers, cylinders, tension controls, safety mechanisms, etc…Must be able to carry out press procedures in an initial sequence and repeat that procedure on future orders in a similar manner or with alterationsMust be able to record information electronically as required by accountingMust have maturity and disposition to always operate press safelyMust understand and be able to implement safety emergency procedures and follow all standard safety proceduresMust be able to interact with and follow instructions from quality control or management to maintain specified quality standardsMust be able to do meticulous work under production demand