Printer Operator | Various 12-Hour Shifts

genpakinternalcareersite; Alabama; On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Genpak is seeking a skilled press operator to set up, operate, and maintain cylindrical item presses with emphasis on color accuracy, registration, and defect prevention. The role includes leading and training press crews, managing inks and blankets, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on a 12-hour shift at our Alabama facility.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, excellent color sense, and proven problem-solving abilities to minimize waste and downtime while maintaining

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3–5 years of machine operator experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining presses.
• Ability to train and lead crew members.
• Strong color matching and quality control.
• LOTO and forklift certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain specialized presses for cylindrical items (clam shell).
• Focus on precision quality control (color, register) and troubleshoot jams or defects.
• Lead and train press crews for efficient production.
• Manage materials (inks, blankets, solvent) and plan for upcoming jobs.
• Ensure safety and enforce PPE policies.
• Perform daily cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs; respond to jams quickly.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Color management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Powered Industrial Truck Certification

LOTO Certification

Tools

Densitometer

Spectrophotometer

Job description

ROLE: Set up, operate, and maintain specialized presses for cylindrical items (clam shell), focusing on precision quality control (color, register), troubleshooting issues like jams or defects, managing materials (plates, ink), and ensuring safety, while often providing leadership and training to press crews for efficient production.

KEY JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Install printing plates and blankets, load clamshell on the feed table.

• Adjust ink flow, speed, and registration for optimal print.

• Monitor control panels during runs.
• Perform visual checks and parts to spot imperfections.
• Ensure color matching, proper register (alignment), and dryness.
• Make real-time adjustments to correct issues and minimize waste.
• Perform daily cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs (preventative maintenance).
• Quickly address jams and technical problems.
• Read work orders and understand job specifications.
• Manage material supplies (inks, blankets, solvent, etc.) and plan for upcoming jobs.
• Train other crew members in processes and equipment.
• Assist with brakes and lunch.
• Enforce safety rules and follow hygiene/PPE protocols.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent eye for detail and color.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve quickly.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:

• Press Operation: Setting up, running, adjusting, and maintaining dry offset presses (R&D Printers), including feeder, printer, & stacker systems.
• Pre-Press: Understanding job specifications, plate mounting, and preparing files for the specific process.
• Ink & Color Management: Knowledge of fast-drying ink, color matching (CMYK/Pantone), density control, and using tools like densitometers.
• Substrate Handling: Expertise with plastics or Styrofoam
• Quality Control: Visual inspection, using spectrophotometers, and ensuring accurate registration and defect identification.
• Maintenance: Performing routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting (e.g., plate wear, ink issues).
• Problem-Solving: Diagnosing and fixing issues with ink, registration, or machine malfunctions quickly to maintain production.

SAFETY:

• Demonstrated ability to comply with all Company policies and procedures and to uphold, support and exemplify the safety programs and standards.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED, with 3-5 years prior machine operator experience; printing experience a plus.
• Experience working with machinery.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to train, communicate, and lead effectively.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking skills and problem-solving skills.
• LOTO Certification (Inhouse training and licensing).
• Powered Industrial truck Certification (Inhouse training and licensing).

ADA – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Must be able to:

• Work a 12-hour shift with overtime as required
• Ability to stand and walk for a minimum of 11 hours during a 12-hour shift.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to climb ladders. Stoop, Kneel, Crouch or Crawl: 10% of the shift.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.
• Speak and hear constantly
• Use of fingers, hands and arms constantly

Genpak is an Equal Opportunity Employer