NASHVILLE, TN – Manufacturing Operator Trainee; Bindery) 2nd Shift

NASHVILLE, TN – Manufacturing Operator Trainee (Bindery) 2nd Shift Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manufacturing Operator Trainee is an entry-level, paid training position for candidates with mechanical ability who are new to the printing and bindery trade. Trainees learn to set up, operate, and maintain perfect binders and related finishing equipment under the direction of an experienced Sr. Manufacturing Operator. No bindery or printing experience is required – we train.

COMPENSATION AND

SCHEDULE:

$18.50 – $20.00 per hour to start, depending on demonstrated mechanical ability. 2nd shift, full-time, with overtime available during peak production. A $2.00 per hour shift differential is added to the base rate for 2nd shift, bringing the effective starting range to $20.50 – $22.00 per hour. Trainees are eligible for wage review at 90 days and again at six months as they take on independent responsibility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learn and perform machine setup on perfect binders and related finishing equipment under supervision, working toward independent setup.
• Operate binding equipment to produce books and printed materials, meeting quality and output standards.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks – cleaning, lubrication, and scheduled checks as directed.
• Inspect bound books and printed materials for defects and elevate quality issues to the Sr. Operator.
• Assist with material handling, loading, and staging of stock at the machine.
• Report mechanical issues, unusual noises, or malfunctions promptly; assist the Sr. Operator and third-party maintenance personnel with troubleshooting.
• Adhere to all Bind Tech safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR

EXPERIENCE:

• No bindery, printing, or machine operator experience required.
• Demonstrated mechanical ability – comfort with hand tools, an interest in how machines work, and the ability to learn equipment adjustments.
• Mechanical experience from outside the printing industry is welcome and encouraged, including:
• Military maintenance, aviation, or motor-pool roles.
• Production line, packaging, warehouse, or other equipment-operating work.
• Trade or vocational school training in industrial maintenance, machining, welding, or mechanics.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Reliable attendance and a solid work history.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work as part of a team.

TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT:

• Trainees are paired with an experienced Sr. Manufacturing Operator throughout onboarding. The training path is structured in three stages:
• Days 1–30 — Safety, plant orientation, material handling, quality standards, and assisting at the machine.
• Days 31–90 — Supervised operation, routine maintenance tasks, and basic machine adjustments. Wage review at 90 days.
• Months 4–12 — Progressively independent setup and changeover, quality troubleshooting, and readiness assessment for promotion to Sr. Manufacturing Operator.
• Trainees who demonstrate proficiency are the primary internal candidates for Sr. Manufacturing Operator openings, which currently pay a base of $21.00 – $24.00 per hour ($23.00 – $26.00 with the 2nd shift differential).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Manufacturing/Printing facility with exposure to machinery noise.
• Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to move or traverse the facilities.
• Standing: may stand for 70–95% of the time.
• Walking: may walk for 10–15% of the time.
• Lifting: may lift and carry items that weigh 5–30 pounds on average, and up to 45 pounds or more occasionally. Most items are carried by hand and lifted to knee or waist level, but some may need to be lifted to chest…