Sheetfed First Press Operator

Quad; Franklin (WI); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Dental and vision insurance

Job summary

Quad in Franklin, WI is seeking a Lead Sheetfed Operator for the 12-hour weekend shift. You will set up the offset press for the correct substrate, ink, and plates, communicate job details to support staff, and ensure supplies are stocked.

You will operate the press, monitor materials, perform quality checks, and address issues quickly to meet production goals. The ideal candidate has 3+ years in lead sheetfed roles, familiarity with Heidelberg XL 106 or K&B Rapida 106 presses, strong mechanical

Qualifications

• 3+ years of lead sheetfed operator experience in packaging/printing.
• Experience with Heidelberg XL 106 6-color or K&B Rapida 106 7-color preferred.
• Strong color understanding and ability to pass color test.
• Good mechanical aptitude and physical stamina for 12-hour shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up offset press for correct substrate, ink, and plate specs and communicate job info to support staff.
• Operate sheetfed press and monitor supply levels to meet production goals.
• Perform quality checks throughout the printing process to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Maintain and troubleshoot assigned equipment during shift.
• Direct crew during scheduled maintenance and ensure rollers are set and adjusted.
• Attend operators’ meetings and participate in process improvements.

Skills

Lead operator

Color knowledge

Mechanical skills

Team leadership

Tools

Heidelberg XL106

K&B Rapida106

Job description

As a global marketing experience company, Quad’s goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data‑driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We’ve built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we’re all driven to perform at our best—for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we’re a company that believes we can always create a better way.

Every day, millions of people see the products we produce—from retail packaging and magazines to catalogs, direct mail and marketing materials. Behind every product is a team of skilled people who take pride in quality, innovation and working together. At Quad, you'll find more than a job. You'll find opportunities to learn new skills, work with cutting‑edge technology, and build a long‑term career with a company that invests in its people.

If you enjoy seeing products come together from start to finish, Franklin is the place for you. This modern packaging facility produces folding cartons and blister cards using advanced printing and finishing equipment. Employees work in a collaborative environment where quality, safety and teamwork are part of every shift, with opportunities to expand their skills while helping create packaging found on store shelves across the country.

Lead Sheetfed Operator – 12‑hour Weekend Shift

Pay range: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour, based on knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions.

Shift Options

• Fixed weekend shift: 5 am – 5 pm, Friday‑Sunday + $2.00 shift premium (voluntary overtime available during the week).
• Thursday – Saturday 5 pm – 5 am + $3.00 shift premium (voluntary overtime available every other Wednesday).

If hired, you may need to train on a different shift if your availability allows.

Essential Functions

• Prepare for operation: Access job ticket information and set up the offset press machine for the correct substrate, ink, and plate specifications. Communicate job information and additional instructions to support staff to prepare for production. Ensure the machine is adequately stocked with supplies needed for each job.
• Operate sheetfed press: Operate assigned equipment within company safety standards to finish printed products according to customer specifications. Continually monitor supply levels of raw materials and add as needed.
• Perform quality checks: Complete quality checklists and perform visual quality checks of the product throughout the printing process to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Perform maintenance: Observe and monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are needed during the job. Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of assigned equipment during shift.
• Perform line clearance: Clean assigned area by removing all products from the line, trash, boxes, and other supplies associated with a completed order.
• Troubleshoot.
• Attain and maintain proper ink and water balance.
• Keep an ongoing list of maintenance issues to be addressed during the next scheduled maintenance, one list for all crews.
• Direct crew to specific duties during scheduled maintenance.
• Check and set rollers, and change if necessary.
• Perform needed maintenance during any delay time.
• Monitor and maintain constant ink densities per customer specifications.
• Attend all operators’ meetings.
• Work with urgency, when the press is down, to maintain production requirements.
• Continue learning new and improved processes to achieve increased production.
• Responsible for the ongoing training and development of other pressroom personnel.
• Assist supervisors in documenting and improving procedures and processes by offering ideas and suggestions.
• Assist supervisors in providing feedback for employee evaluations.
• Facilitate teamwork among team members and between shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must have 3+ years of lead sheetfed operator experience—packaging/printing field preferred.
• Experience with Heidelberg XL 106 6‑color or K&B Rapida 106 7‑color is desired; other makes will also be considered.
• Must have an understanding of color, and the ability to pass a color test is required.
• Must have strong mechanical skills and aptitude.
• Ability to lift 10–15 pounds continuously, lift to 50 pounds occasionally, stand for long hours (12‑hour shift), use hands and wrists continuously in controlled movement, receive and follow instructions, and use vision to identify defects.
• Ability to work 12‑hour shifts, with overtime and holidays as required (OT paid over 40 hours per week).

Preferred Qualifications

• Machine repair and maintenance experience preferred.

We’re looking for dependable people who want more than just a job. If you’re ready to work with great teammates, modern equipment and a company that invests in your future, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today

Apply today and see where a career at Quad can take you.

We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.

Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging—a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

Drug‑free workplace.