Pressroom Feeder Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Woodridge, IL, seeks a reliable Press Feeder to operate the mechanical sheet feeder and support press operations, ensuring production efficiency, high quality, and optimal equipment performance.

You will work closely with the Press Operator on setup, material handling, maintenance, and quality inspections while maintaining safe, organized work practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and procedure documents
• Ability to pass a basic reading assessment
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Mechanical aptitude demonstrated through previous experience or the ability to pass a mechanical assessment
• Ability to pass color vision and color hue tests
• Ability to obtain a forklift license
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the mechanical press feeder to support production requirements
• Review job tickets and select the correct paper type and quantity for each job
• Load and unload paper and inspect materials for defects or damage
• Obtain ink, fill ink fountains, and maintain proper ink levels throughout production runs
• Mix fountain solutions, set up dampening systems, and monitor pH balance and conductivity levels
• Assist the Press Operator with mounting plates, blankets, and packing materials
• Move printed and unprinted stock as needed throughout the production process
• Perform routine adjustments during press runs to maintain quality and efficiency
• Complete required ISO documentation and quality checks accurately and on time
• Mark printed sheets for coating knockouts and verify sheets against mylar specifications
• Maintain housekeeping standards, including cleaning equipment, removing waste, and keeping supplies stocked
• Follow all federal, state, local, and company safety regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Color vision tests

Forklift license

Reading comprehension

Basic math

Attention to detail

Reliable attendance

Reading & safety docs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift license

Job description

The Opportunity

This role is responsible for operating the mechanical sheet feeder and supporting press operations to ensure efficient production, product quality, and equipment performance. The Press Feeder works closely with the Press Operator to assist with press setup, material handling, maintenance activities, and quality inspections while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the mechanical press feeder to support production requirements.
• Review job tickets and select the correct paper type and quantity for each job.
• Load and unload paper and inspect materials for defects or damage.
• Obtain ink, fill ink fountains, and maintain proper ink levels throughout production runs.
• Mix fountain solutions, set up dampening systems, and monitor pH balance and conductivity levels.
• Assist the Press Operator with mounting plates, blankets, and packing materials.
• Move printed and unprinted stock as needed throughout the production process.
• Perform routine adjustments during press runs to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Complete required ISO documentation and quality checks accurately and on time.
• Mark printed sheets for coating knockouts and verify sheets against mylar specifications.
• Maintain housekeeping standards, including cleaning equipment, removing waste, and keeping supplies stocked.
• Follow all federal, state, local, and company safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Need to Succeed

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and procedure documents.
• Ability to pass a basic reading assessment.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Mechanical aptitude demonstrated through previous experience or the ability to pass a mechanical assessment.
• Ability to pass color vision and color hue tests.
• Ability to obtain a forklift license.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer

• A workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with opportunities to develop technical skills and advance your career.
• Competitive compensation based on experience, skills, and performance.
• A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to daily operations.
• Opportunities for growth within manufacturing and production operations.

The starting rate is $22 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. The application window is expected to close by 10/18/2026.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.