Dry Offset Press Operator (Printing Machine Operator)

Position Overview

As a Dry Offset Press Operator, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining high-speed multi-color dry offset printing presses (such as Polytype, Van Dam, or similar systems). You will transfer client logos, custom graphics, and product information directly onto three-dimensional plastic cups and food packaging with absolute precision.In addition to physical press operation, this role requires strong digital literacy. You will rely on computer systems and our Order Management System (OMS) to retrieve job details, track real-time order completion, and verify that customer order requirements are met flawlessly.

Core Responsibilities

• Digital Order & Workflow Management: Utilize company computers and the Order Management System (OMS) to review incoming print queues, check digital job specifications, and verify order quantities.
• Order Fulfillment Tracking: Log real-time production numbers, completed batches, and material usage into the OMS to ensure customer orders are accurately processed and updated on schedule.
• Machine Setup & Make-Ready: Set up multi-color dry offset presses according to digital job tickets. Mount printing plates, install blankets, and adjust precise cylinder stop angles for proper image transfer.
• Ink & Color Matching: Mix, blend, and formulate UV-curable inks to match exact customer specs or Pantone color standards using digital scales. Load and maintain ink fountains.
• Production Run Supervision: Load blank container inventory into high-speed automatic feeding systems. Monitor running conditions to prevent plastic container jams, ink smudging, or machine friction.
• Continuous Quality Control: Perform regular press-side quality checks using magnifying equipment to inspect color accuracy, text legibility, ink adhesion, and microscopic registration alignment against the approved digital proof.
• Routine Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform preventative maintenance (PM) routines, clean plates/cylinders, execute UV machine washes safely, and troubleshoot mechanical or printing defects to minimize downtime.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to plant safety rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), proper chemical/waste disposal protocols, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) regulations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Computer Skills: Strong computer proficiency with practical experience navigating Order Management Systems (OMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools, or similar digital manufacturing software.
• Experience: 1 to 3+ years of experience operating printing press machinery, with explicit preference given to high-speed dry offset lithography or flexographic printing.
• Equipment Knowledge: Prior experience operating Polytype, Van Dam, Nilpeter, or similar dry-offset container decoration machinery is a significant plus.
• Technical Skills: Exceptional color vision with the ability to identify micro-variations in ink density and alignment. Strong mechanical aptitude and experience handling basic hand tools for machine adjustments.
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long periods on the production floor, withstand warehouse noise environments, and lift up to 50 lbs (ink buckets, rollers, and feed stacks).
• Education: High school diploma, GED, or technical vocational training preferred.

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 48.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person