Press Operator (STP)

STARPAK LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

STARPAK LLC in Houston seeks a Printing Press Operator (Level A) to run high-performance flexographic presses with autonomy and accuracy.

You will monitor process parameters, ensure compliance with FSSC and food-safety standards, manage setup and changeovers, and document production data using Radius. The role requires attention to detail, safety-first mindset, and teamwork to sustain quality across shifts.

Qualifications

• Operate high-speed flexographic presses with precision.
• Monitor machine dynamics to maintain print quality.
• Adhere to safety, hygiene, and food-grade standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate Vistaflex and Miraflex presses independently and safely.
• Ensure setup times and changeovers minimize downtime.
• Record production data and job flow in Radius; maintain documentation.
• Identify and report press or ink issues to supervisors.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety-consciousness

Team communication

Tools

Vistaflex

Miraflex

Radius system

BST inspection system

AVT inspection system

Job description

Job Details

Location: Houston, TX 77041

Job Overview

The Printing Press Operator (Level A) is responsible for the independent and efficient operation of high-performance flexographic presses. This role requires strong technical knowledge, adherence to safety and food-grade compliance standards, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Machine Operation & Technical Proficiency

   • Operate and configure Vistaflex and Miraflex flexographic presses with precision and autonomy.
   • Ensure a deep understanding of machine dynamics, including tension, temperature, ink viscosity, airflow, and pressure, to guarantee optimal print performance.
   • Use estimated setup times effectively based on job type and colour count, ensuring efficient changeovers and minimizing downtime.
   • Apply knowledge of both internal factors (machine components) and external factors (maintenance, supplier inputs, auxiliary systems) that affect print quality.

2. Quality Control & Systems Management

   • Successfully complete print jobs at the required production speed while minimizing quality defects.
   • Operate and interpret results from BST and AVT inspection systems as active tools for real-time quality control.
   • Accurately manage production data and job flow using the Radius system, including correct use of codes and documentation requirements.
   • Proactively report issues involving rolls, ink, press functionality, or electrical systems to supervisors or appropriate management.

3. Safety & Food Compliance

   • Strictly adhere to all FSSC guidelines and manufacturing hygiene practices.
   • Ensure proper and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), both personally and among team members, including safety glasses, steel‑toe shoes, hair net, face shield (for ink room tasks).
   • Promote and maintain a safe and hazard-free work area, modeling safety‑first behavior.

4. Housekeeping & Waste Reduction

   • Implement and maintain a routine cleaning schedule for the press and surrounding area to support food safety and operational efficiency.
   • Actively work to minimize material waste and optimize the use of substrates, inks, and other consumables.

5. Professionalism & Growth

   • Consistently demonstrate quality‑oriented skills, a proactive attitude, and attention to detail.
   • Engage in self‑evaluation and continuous improvement to enhance professional performance and contribute to team success.
   • Support a culture of excellence, responsibility, and technical growth across the department.

Technical Aspects

• Ensure and oversee that your team uses all required safety equipment during their daily activities under your shift.
• Use the appropriate PPE for each activity or function that requires it.
• Understand the Jobpack as the main input for the press process and its cross‑functional use in the following processes.
• Accurately understand the system operation for each press and the different indicators that can be found in the system.
• Understand how to manage variables such as tensions, air pressures, viscosity, and temperatures of each section of the printer in order to complete the job and ensure quality.
• Understand the difference and purpose of Stickyback (1320, 1520, 1720) when diagnosing and printing on detailed or flat surfaces.
• Understand how the Anilox works. Operator A must be able to associate print quality with the Anilox and discern when it needs to be changed.
• Based on the above points, Operator A must be capable of performing troubleshooting and diagnostics of the machine using examples of print errors.
• Periodically check the proper functioning of the press and the quality of the printed material.
• Identify types of print errors, have at least three possible causes for each, and be able to correct them in the safest and most efficient way.
• Operator A must recognize when a machine issue or print error involves one of the internal suppliers in order to request service.
• Operator A must understand the importance of properly handling machine parts such as Anilox, plates, and other functional printer components due to their fragility, impact on quality, and cost.
• Verify the following at the beginning of each job: Film, Ink/Viscosity, Wind, Plates, Anilox.
• Properly fill out the documentation for each report: Digital Press Report, Approval, Labels.
• Understand the procedure for ColorCert.
• Change blades when the print quality or footage run determines it.
• Inspect the quality of each roll using a printed sample.
• Maintain control of the press after a job is approved.
• Have the next job sequence prepared in advance and be alerted to ensure everything is ready when the current one is finished.

Secondary Aspects

• Effectively communicate with the team about the day’s activities and work sequences.
• Be responsible, along with the team, for keeping the work area clean, stocked, and clear.
• Clean the machine periodically.
• Delegate tasks to the assistants related to the proper functioning of the machine and anticipation for MR.
• Collaborate with the administrative staff: Tests, New procedures, Provide information, Point Lessons.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
• Tolerance for working in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot, cold, noisy).

Working Conditions

• Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE).