Printing Press Process Engineer (Relocation Assistance Available)

Nationwide Technical Search; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Full Benefits

Onsite position

Job summary

Nationwide Technical Search is seeking a Printing Press Process Engineer in Little Rock, AR. Onsite, permanent/direct hire with relocation assistance and full benefits.

The role focuses on optimizing web offset processes, managing UV ink systems, and driving continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, and packaging compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Printing Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3–7+ years in high-speed web offset lithographic printing, ideally within packaging or folding carton manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with UV-curable ink systems, web handling, color management (spectrophotometry), and low-migration food packaging standards.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization & Troubleshooting: optimize web offset processes, ink-water balance, and web tension; support LED UV transition if applicable.
• Quality, Ink Management & Compliance: manage UV ink rheology, coatings, supplier collaboration on low‑migration inks; ensure ISO, FDA/EU food safety standards.
• Continuous Improvement & Collaboration: lead Lean/Six Sigma projects to improve OEE, reduce waste/spoilage, and coordinate with Prepress, Maintenance, and new product development.

Skills

UV Ink Systems

Web Handling

Color Management

Spectrophotometry

Low-Migration Packaging

Education

Printing Technology

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Print Inspection Systems

Color Measurement Tools

ERP/MES Software

Lean/Six Sigma

Job description

Printing Press Process Engineer (Relocation Assistance Available)

Printing Press Process Engineer

Little Rock, AR

Onsite

Permanent/Direct Hire

Full Benefits

Relocation Assistance Available

$100,000-120,000

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Troubleshooting

• Press Control: Optimize web offset processes, including plate/blanket performance, ink-water balance, and web tension.
• UV Curing: Manage UV curing systems (lamp intensity, profiles, adhesion) and lead the potential transition to LED UV.
• Troubleshooting: Provide hands‑on support to press operators to resolve ghosting, misting, registration drift, and curing defects.

Quality, Ink Management & Compliance

• Ink Chemistry: Manage UV ink rheology, coatings, and formulations; collaborate with suppliers on low‑migration, food‑safe inks.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain print standards (density, dot gain, LAB targets) using Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to ISO, FDA/EU food safety standards, and HSE regulations.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Lean/Six Sigma: Lead projects to improve OEE, reduce start‑up waste/spoilage, and lower energy usage.
• Cross‑Functional Support: Partner with Prepress on plate imaging/color profiling, assist Maintenance with UV system upkeep, and support new product development.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Printing Technology, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 3-7+ years in high‑speed web offset lithographic printing, ideally within packaging or folding carton manufacturing.
• Must‑Have Tech Expertise: Hands‑on experience with UV‑curable ink systems, web handling, color management (spectrophotometry), and low‑migration food packaging standards.

Tools & Soft Skills

• Systems: Print inspection systems, color measurement tools, ERP/MES software, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Traits: Strong analytical troubleshooter, clear communicator across shifts, and detail‑oriented.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Print waste and spoilage reduction
• OEE and press uptime
• Color consistency (Delta E) and reduction in customer complaints
• UV curing efficiency and defect rates