Press Assistant

About the role

The Press Assistant position supports press operations by performing essential support tasks, maintaining equipment cleanliness, assisting with material handling, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. This role is crucial in maintaining efficient press operations and supporting the Press Operator in producing quality products.

This entry-level position provides foundational experience in printing operations with opportunities for advancement through demonstrated competency and skill development. The role requires physical capability, attention to detail, and strong teamwork abilities. This position reports to the Shift Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Support press operator with quality monitoring, machine efficiency optimization, and future job staging for changeovers
• Manage ink and coating systems including viscosity control, filling, and maintenance of inks, varnishes, adhesives, and cold seals
• Execute material handling duties including roll preparation, loading, splicing, and removal of finished products and waste materials
• Perform equipment maintenance including doctor blade changes, machine cleaning, and participation in scheduled Preventative Maintenance programs
• Safely operate elevator and handle press components during changeovers, including management of print cylinders, aniloxes, doctor blade chambers, and ink pans
• Prepare and organize pre-setup materials such as sleeves, mandrels, anilox rolls, and inks for efficient job transitions
• Maintain waste management procedures including weighing startup rolls and waste materials, and emptying refuse containers.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards and 5S methodology through proper housekeeping and workplace organization
• Monitor and replenish operational supplies including inks, adhesives, and other consumables while maintaining inventory levels
• Support quality control processes by assisting with inspection procedures and maintaining cleanliness standards while following all safety protocols

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred

Required Skills

• Basic Mechanical Aptitude
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Multi-tasking capabilities
• Problem identification skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures

Additional Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must pass pre-employment assessment
• Drug screening required
• Background check required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of printing processes and equipment
• Material handling requirements
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Cleaning and maintenance procedures
• Food safety standards
• Safety compliance with protocols and procedures
• Time management
• Following standard operating procedures
• Basic mathematical calculations

Physical Demands

The associate will be exposed to the manufacturing environment where hazards and requirements may include but are not limited to:

• Capability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to climb, kneel, bend, reach, stoop and squat
• Proficiency in grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine motor skills
• Ability to pass Ishihara color test
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs safely
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to wear required PPE (hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, safety glasses)
• Ability to become certified in material handling equipment

Travel Requirements

Travel is not required in this position.

Work Conditions: The majority of tasks will be performed in a manufacturing setting with exposure to:

• Noise levels above 80 dB
• Operation of complex machinery
• Solvents, fumes and inks
• Variable Temperatures
• Must be able to work flexible shifts
• May require nights, weekends, and holidays.
• An additional $2.50/hr premium for hours worked on NIGHT Shift only (qualifying hours vary by location).

Additional information

Printpack is proudly an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success.

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Know Your Rights - Conozca sus Derechos - Your Rights Under USERRA (dol.gov) - FMLA - FMLA (Spanish) - Polygraph Protection - Right to Work - Right to Work (Spanish)