Printing Press Operator

Job Description

**Pay: **Hourly pay based on experience (see career path at bottom)

Schedule:

We are looking to hire Press Operators on all shifts. We offer shift premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift employees. Regardless of the shift you are hired for, you will need to train for 60-90 days on 1st shift.

1st Shift: 6:30am - 3pm

2nd Shift: 3pm - 11:30pm

3rd Shift: 11pm - 6:30am

Responsibilities:

Review job ticket and special instructions to verify the correct ink, stock, and coatings have been pulled.

Hang plates correctly and efficiently.

Assist in the make-ready process, following work instructions.

Monitor ink and coating fountains, keeping track of quantities of ink used.

Keep feeder full of stock to prevent any unnecessary press shutdowns.

Remove load from delivery.

Help mark printed loads correctly, clearly marking cavity locations of samples and bad product.

Process load tags.

Remove plates and properly dispose of them.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum of 2-3 years of mechanical experience

Stable and continuous working history.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Strong analytical skills.

An orientation toward process improvement.

Benefits:

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Other Perks:

Bonus opportunities

Quarterly employee appreciation days

Annual holiday celebrations

About Wynalda Packaging

Wynalda Packaging is a growing, industry-leading folding carton manufacturer serving global brands across a wide range of industries. As a family-owned company, we pride ourselves on combining decades of manufacturing expertise with a forward-thinking approach to innovation.

Our facility is fast-paced and continually evolving as we adopt new technologies, improve our processes, and invest in our people. Employees at Wynalda have the opportunity to learn new skills, work with advanced equipment, and grow their careers in a collaborative, hands-on manufacturing environment.

Career Path: Press Assistant Lead Press Operator

1. Feeder / Entry Operator

Timeline: 0–6 months

Pay: $20/hour

Focus:

Reliability, attendance, work ethic

Basic material handling

Understanding press workflow

Skills:

Load/unload sheets

Ink handling basics

Assist press crew

Safety procedures

Advancement Criteria:

Shows consistency + coachability

Demonstrates mechanical curiosity

Can anticipate next steps on press

2. Junior Press Assistant

Timeline: 6–18 months

Pay: $21/hour

Focus:

Learning press mechanics

Supporting makereadies

Understanding job setup

Skills:

Assist in setups and changeovers

Plate handling

Ink adjustments (guided)

Basic troubleshooting awareness

Advancement Criteria:

Strong mechanical aptitude

Can handle partial setup responsibilities

Starts thinking ahead, not reacting

3. Senior Press Assistant

Timeline: 12–30 months

Pay: $22-$23/hour

Focus: Becoming a true operator-in-training

Skills:

Execute portions of makeready independently

Run press under supervision

Quality checks + adjustments

Understand substrates (SBS, CNK, board behavior)

Advancement Criteria:

Can run jobs with limited oversight

Maintains quality standards

Handles pressure without breakdown

4. Lead Operator Level 1

Timeline: 2 - 3 years

Pay: $24-$25/hour

Focus:

Positive attitude

Consistent attendance

Actively engaged in training & development

Skills:

Experience level of 2+ years

Ability to proficiently run a machine

Possess an understanding of WP practices & quality standards

Advancement Criteria:

Show consistency + coachability

Demonstrates mechanical curiosity

Can anticipate next steps on press

Consistently produces quality work

5. Lead Operator Level 2

Timeline: 3 – 5 years

Pay: $25-$28/hour

Focus:

Maintains a positive attitude & consistent attendance

Remains engaged in on-going training & development

Skills:

Experience level of 3-5 years

Able to proficiently run multiple presses

Make ready efficiency is consistent with department expectations

Consistently produces quality work

Understands WP systems, technology & software

Established understanding of WP best practices & industry standards for printing

Advancement Criteria:

Produces top quality work

Willingness to proficiently run most (if not all) machines/equipment (e.g. Sheet Feed, Small & Large Format, Cold Foiler, etc.)

Thinking ahead, not reacting in the moment

6. Lead Operator Level 3

Timeline: 5+ years

Pay: $28+/hour

Focus:

Exemplary attitude. Committed and reliable

Dedicated to continuous improvement

Skills:

Experience level of 5 + years

Ability to proficiently run most (if not all) machines/equipment (e.g. Sheet Feed, Small & Large Format, Cold Foiler, etc.)

Regularly leads department in Make Ready efficiency and Run Speeds

Produces top quality work

Exhibits a thorough understanding of Inks, Coatings, Substrates, etc.

Proficient in the use of WP systems, technology & software

Expert in best practices & industry standards for Printing

Eager & effective trainer

You should be proficient in:

Knowledge of Large Format Graphics

Machine Setups for Production Runs

Web Offset Printing

Sheet Fed Offset Printing

Offset Lithography

Digital Printing