Machine Operator

GPA Printing

Job Description/Responsibilities

Offline Lamination Machine Operator

Hourly position: 2nd Shift

Location: Chatsworth, CA

Our Culture & Purpose

At GPA Global, our culture is built on collaboration, integrity, and a relentless drive for growth. We empower our Project Managers to be the go-to contacts for our clients—trusted partners who deliver sustainable solutions and help drive the organization’s success. Every team member is expected to foster a positive, inclusive environment, champion innovation, and work together to achieve shared goals. Ultimately, those in this role play a critical part in delivering growth, building lasting client relationships, and ensuring our solutions are both impactful and sustainable.

An Offline Lamination Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining lamination equipment to apply protective films or laminates to various products while ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency in production.

Job Summary

An Offline Lamination Machine Operator oversees the lamination process, bonding paper and board stock to gloss or matte lamination or metalized film. This position ensures high-quality finished products through careful setup, monitoring, and maintenance of lamination machines. Operators may also perform routine maintenance, quality inspections, and assist with troubleshooting equipment issues

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate offline lamination machines according to job orders and product specifications

• Load film rolls, adhesives, or other laminating materials onto the machine.

• Monitor the lamination process for consistency, adjusting machine settings like speed, temperature, tension, and adhesive application as needed

• Inspect finished laminated products for wrinkles, bubbles, misalignment, or defects, and take corrective actions

• Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance on laminators to ensure proper functioning

• Record production data, material usage, and downtime in logs or computer systems

• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts or hoists for transporting raw materials and finished products

• Follow safety protocols and maintain an organized work area

• Assist in training new operators and cross-train on multiple types of finishing equipment

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills:

• Experience operating offline laminating machines, including film, foil, and other substrates

• Ability to perform mechanical adjustments and troubleshoot minor machine malfunctions

• Knowledge of adhesives and laminating materials, including solvent-based and solventless processes

• Basic mathematics for measurements and production calculations

• Familiarity with HMI panels and production tracking software (computer literacy) for monitoring operations

Soft Skills:

• Attention to detail and precision in all aspects of lamination

• Strong problem-solving and quality control skills

• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues

• Time management skills to meet production deadlines

• Safety-conscious mindset to follow proper operational procedures

Educational Background & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training beneficial

• Typically 2–5 years of experience in machine operation or lamination-related tasks, with preference for experience in flexible packaging, printing, or manufacturing environments

• Prior experience operating offline laminators or similar machinery is highly preferred

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and maneuver heavy rolls of materials, often up to 50 lbs or more

• Prolonged standing, bending, and walking during shifts

• Exposure to adhesives and other chemical materials; adherence to protective gear and safety protocols is essential

• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or rotating shifts as required

Career Outlook & Advancement

Cross training in related machines such as printing presses, die-cutters, UV machines or folder/gluers can provide lateral career opportunities in the manufacturing industry.

This role is critical in ensuring products are both durable and visually appealing while maintaining efficiency and safety across production operations.