Saddle Stitcher Operator

Mittera; Los Alamitos (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life and AD&D policies

Short- and long-term disability

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid volunteer time off

Job summary

Mittera is seeking a Saddle Stitcher Operator in Los Alamitos, California. The role involves safely operating saddle stitcher machines and directing the finishing team to meet productivity, quality, and safety goals. Candidates should have a high school diploma and 1–3+ years of bindery experience, preferably with Mueller and Martini or Heidelberg machines. The position offers various benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of previous bindery experience.
• Effective communication skills with all levels within the organization.
• Ability to read and understand a job ticket and layout sheet.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Operate saddle stitcher machines safely.
• Read job tickets and layout sheets before starting jobs.
• Train and develop finishing personnel.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Bindery experience

Communication skills

Basic math skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Mueller and Martini

Heidelberg

Osako saddle stitcher

Various bindery machines

Job description

We are currently looking for Saddle Stitcher Operators to join the Mittera family where ideas are valued and internal mobility is promoted! The Saddle Stitcher Operator is responsible for operating saddle stitcher machines and will play an essential role in the company. This position is a leadership role and will assist in directing the work activities of the finishing team members to ensure productivity, quality and safety goals are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate machine effectively and safely according to standards to ensure a quality product
• Read and understand the job ticket, layout sheet, artwork, and other specifications before beginning assigned job
• Make‑ready the stacker, tiers, mail head, mail control
• Make‑ready and run all aspects of the saddle stitcher (pockets, gatherer, stitcher heads, in‑feed, trimmer, mail table and mail head, etc.)
• Make‑ready and run demographic and inkjet machines
• Fill in for other operators when needed
• Assist other operators with start‑ups as possible when own line is down
• Support material handlers during continuous and self‑supported running (including mail‑sacking, skid stacking, pocket filling, cover filling, etc.) and give work direction during downtime and clean‑up
• Promote, enforce and sustain safety and look for ways to improve the operation
• Provide ongoing training and development of other finishing personnel and assist supervisors in documenting and improving procedures and processes by offering ideas and suggestions
• Communicate with supervisors on any problems as they develop to help determine the best time to correct and prioritize
• Continue learning new and improved processes to achieve increased production
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment
• Maintain an ongoing list of maintenance issues to be addressed
• Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA and EPA federal and state rules, regulations, policies and guidelines and company safety rules
• Facilitate teamwork on crews and between shifts

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• 1–3+ years of previous bindery experience
• Previous experience operating a Mueller and Martini, Heidelberg, or Osako saddle stitcher is preferred
• Experience on various bindery machines (binder, cutter, folder, inserter, poly wrapper) is a bonus
• Ability to meet quality expectations and productivity metrics
• Must be able to read and understand a job ticket, layout sheet, artwork and other specifications
• Effective communication skills with all levels within the organization
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurements) and critical thinking to solve practical problems
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations and meet stringent deadlines
• Organized and able to plan, prioritize and follow through on projects assigned with minimal supervision
• Basic computer skills
• Self‑motivated, reliable, quality‑ and safety‑oriented

Physical Requirements

• Use of proper body mechanics with pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, squatting, kneeling and bending
• Pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Requires fine‑motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination
• Requires near visual acuity
• Requires working around and operating departmental equipment
• Must be able to access and navigate each department in the facility
• Requires the ability to function in a professional manner under stressful circumstances

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and AD&D policies
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Paid volunteer time off

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Mittera is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.