Smyth Sewing Operator

TSG - The Sheridan Group, a strategic communications and public affairs firm, seeks a Smyth Sewing Operator for its Printing Media Manufacturing & Production team. Operate and maintain Smyth sewing machines to produce high-quality books and printed materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to production schedules. Responsibilities include setup, changeovers, quality checks, minor troubleshooting, and equipment upkeep. You'll work in a collaborative, high-performance environment with close mentorship, supporting impactful issue-advocacy projects while gaining exposure to policy, politics, and media-driven campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor Smyth sewing machines to produce high-quality book blocks and sewn signatures for print media products
• Read and interpret job tickets, production schedules, and specifications to ensure accurate job setup and execution
• Adjust machine settings, guides, stitch length, and tension to accommodate varying paper stocks, formats, and binding requirements
• Continuously inspect work in process for proper alignment, stitching quality, pagination, and overall appearance, making adjustments as needed
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic mechanical maintenance on Smyth sewing equipment to minimize downtime
• Work closely with pre-press, press, and other bindery team members to coordinate workflow and meet tight production deadlines
• Identify, report, and help troubleshoot equipment issues and production bottlenecks to supervisors or maintenance staff
• Handle and stage paper signatures, covers, and other materials safely and efficiently to support steady machine operation
• Accurately record production counts, downtime, and quality data using shop-floor systems or production logs
• Follow all plant safety procedures and quality standards, including lockout/tagout and proper use of personal protective equipment
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performance production culture by communicating clearly, supporting teammates, and taking initiative to solve problems

Required Skills

• Operation of Smyth sewing and other bindery equipment
• Mechanical troubleshooting and basic equipment maintenance
• Print bindery and finishing processes
• Quality control and inspection of sewn books and signatures
• Reading and interpreting job tickets and production specs
• Basic math and measurement skills
• Machine setup, alignment, and adjustment
• Materials handling and staging (paper, signatures, covers)
• Production workflow and time management
• Safety procedures in a manufacturing environment
• Team communication in a production setting
• Basic computer skills for production tracking