Sheetfed First Press Operator

Quad/Graphics; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 34,440 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings

Paid time off

Holidays

Additional benefits

Job summary

A printing company based in Salt Lake City is seeking an experienced Sheetfed First Press Operator for an 8-hour shift. You will operate and maintain multi-color sheetfed offset printing presses, ensuring quality and efficiency. Candidates should have a high school diploma and 3-5 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive hourly wage between $25 and $32 based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years as a Sheetfed Press Operator preferred.
• Machine repair and maintenance experience required.
• Computer proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, operate, and maintain multi‑color sheetfed offset printing presses.
• Ensure printed materials meet specifications and quality standards.
• Mentor and train team members.

Skills

Knowledge of sheetfed offset printing processes

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities

Effective communication skills

Detail-oriented with strong quality focus

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Heidelberg presses

Job description

Job Overview

Quad Packaging is seeking a Sheetfed First Press Operator for the 8‑hour shift (6am‑2pm) in Salt Lake City, UT. Salary ranges from $25 to $32 per hour, depending on experience and skills.

General Purpose of Job

The Sheetfed First Press Operator I is an experienced press operator responsible for setting up, adjusting, operating, and maintaining multi‑color sheetfed offset printing presses. This role ensures printed materials meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production efficiency requirements in a cost‑effective manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Review job specifications and work orders to determine appropriate press setup and materials.


• Perform all make‑ready tasks: pulling, hanging, and verifying approved plates; inspecting plates for defects; preparing blankets; adjusting press tension; cleaning ink rollers; installing plates.


• Load and regulate ink colors, fill reservoirs, and adjust ink volume to meet print specifications.


• Load and verify correct paper stock and ensure proper setup of take‑off and delivery areas.


• Verify image positioning and quality against approved samples and proofs.


• Make color corrections and press adjustments prior to and during production to maintain quality standards.


• Start, run, monitor, and control press operations, including feeding and printing processes.


• Produce and evaluate startup samples, inspecting for defects such as blemishes, scratches, rub marks, readability issues, and barcode accuracy.


• Inspect printed sheets throughout the run (minimum one sheet per 1,000 impressions).


• Document and record all required production information; report discrepancies and follow direction as needed.


• Identify, tag, and stage defective or non‑conforming materials using established color‑coding procedures.


• Stage finished goods on pallets with job documentation properly placed and completed.


• Complete all paperwork accurately and place required materials in the job jacket.


• Clear and isolate finished goods, make‑ready materials, and waste according to procedures.


• Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance as scheduled.


• Record required data on machine boards and production systems.


• Assist and back up other Press Operators and Press Assistants as needed.


• May operate and oversee more than one press at a time.


• Mentor and train team members; promote teamwork and cross‑training on assigned equipment.


• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and quality requirements.


• Comply with all food safety and quality policies and report concerns to site leadership.


• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• 3–5 years as a Sheetfed Press Operator preferred.


• 2–3 years as a Sheetfed Operator II preferred.


• Experience with Heidelberg presses preferred.


• Machine repair and maintenance experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of sheetfed offset printing processes, materials, equipment, and safety requirements.


• Strong ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, SOPs, safety rules, and maintenance instructions.


• Skilled in routine operational maintenance and minor equipment repairs.


• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.


• Computer proficiency required.


• Detail‑oriented with strong quality focus.


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple responsibilities.


• Effective communication skills for one‑on‑one and small group interactions.


• Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to written, oral, or diagram‑based instructions.


• Consistent attendance and punctuality.


• Successful completion of color vision testing required.


• Knowledge of Lockout/Tagout procedures and production danger zones.


• Supervisory experience preferred.

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quad is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging. 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

Quad maintains a drug‑free workplace.