Press Operator- NIGHTs

Highcor; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

PTO & holidays

Insurance plans

Job summary

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is seeking a skilled Press Operator for the night shift in Hickory. You will manage complete press operation, ensure quality, and drive production goals in a 12-hour schedule.

Responsibilities include setup, ink matching, plate handling, and coordinating with the Press Assistant to maintain efficiency. Prior flexographic press experience on film or paper is preferred, with training opportunities available.

Qualifications

• Previous printing press experience is required.
• Flexographic printing experience on film and/or paper.
• Experience operating multi-color web-fed printing presses.
• Read and interpret work orders, artwork, and specification sheets.
• Technical knowledge of inks, color, and film properties.
• Understand machine operating capabilities and press functions.
• Fulfilled Press Assistant I/II requirements or equivalent experience.
• Technical training and/or apprenticeship experience up to three years as an operator.

Responsibilities

• Meet and exceed machine production goals.
• Assume full responsibility for complete press operation and production quality.
• Direct and support the performance and ongoing training of the Press Assistant.
• Train the assistant to run the press independently with minimal support when needed.
• Perform full print job setup including plates, sleeves, ink match, make-ready, anilox rollers, and film verification.
• Maintain print quality including print position, copy accuracy, UPC codes, registration, and impressions.
• Place roll tickets and weights on each roll and maintain accurate Shop Floor computer records.
• Return inks, plates, sleeves, film, and materials to correct locations with proper identification.
• Report damaged or worn plates for replacement.
• Use web monitoring systems effectively.
• Demonstrate full understanding of make-ready sequence.
• Apply tension controls appropriately across different substrates.
• Set proper impression on plates and anilox rollers.
• Draw off bag dimensions for finished and converted bags.
• Adjust dot gains and densities to match proof requirements.
• Complete plate mounting procedures using proper tapes and mounting methods.
• Partner with maintenance on operator-based machine maintenance.
• Handle hazardous waste according to trained procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shift Leader or Production Manager

Skills

Press experience

Flexographic print

Web-fed press

Inks & film

Read orders

Machine operation

Press Assistant training

Apprenticeship

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Position: Press Operator

Location: Hickory

Shift: Night Shift | 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM | 12-hour 2-2-3 schedule

Pay Rate: $27.78/hour + $2.00/hour shift differential

Summary Description

The Press Operator reports directly to the Plant Superintendent and is responsible for the complete operation of the press, ensuring production goals, print quality, and safe execution of all printing processes while supporting team development and operational efficiency.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Meet and exceed machine production goals
• Assume full responsibility for complete press operation and production quality
• Direct and support the performance and ongoing training of the Press Assistant
• Train the assistant to run the press independently with minimal support when needed
• Perform full print job setup including plates, sleeves, ink match, make-ready, anilox rollers, and film verification
• Maintain print quality including print position, copy accuracy, UPC codes, registration, and impressions
• Place roll tickets and weights on each roll and maintain accurate Shop Floor computer records
• Return inks, plates, sleeves, film, and materials to correct locations with proper identification
• Report damaged or worn plates for replacement
• Use web monitoring systems effectively
• Demonstrate full understanding of make-ready sequence
• Apply tension controls appropriately across different substrates
• Set proper impression on plates and anilox rollers
• Draw off bag dimensions for finished and converted bags
• Adjust dot gains and densities to match proof requirements
• Complete plate mounting procedures using proper tapes and mounting methods
• Partner with maintenance on operator-based machine maintenance
• Handle hazardous waste according to trained procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shift Leader or Production Manager

We’d Love to Hear From You

• If Previous printing press experience is required
• You have flexographic printing experience on film and/or paper
• You have experience operating multi-color web-fed printing presses
• You understand company printing procedures and quality standards
• You have technical knowledge of inks, color, and film properties
• You can read and interpret work orders, artwork, and specification sheets
• You understand machine operating capabilities and press functions
• You have successfully fulfilled Press Assistant I and II requirements or equivalent experience
• You have technical training and/or apprenticeship experience up to three years as an operator

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

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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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