Press Operator WW- 1st Shift

Job Summary:

The Wide Web Printing Press Operator is responsible for the full setup, operation, and maintenance of wide web flexographic printing presses. This role ensures the production of high-quality printed materials in accordance with customer specifications, plant standards, and safety protocols. The operator also assists in training new team members and upholding performance and quality expectations throughout production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Production & Press Operation Perform press setups including plate mounting, material alignment, and ink preparation specific to wide web requirements (typically 40 –80  width).Operate wide web flexographic presses safely and efficiently, ensuring consistent print quality and minimal waste.

Troubleshoot mechanical, ink, or substrate issues during runs and make necessary adjustments independently.

Conduct quality checks and color matching throughout the run, verifying against proofs and job specifications.

Job Prep and Wrap-UpReview job tickets and conditions sheets for specifications including substrate, ink, and coating requirements.

Assist in preparing inks and substrates, staging materials, and ensuring all job components are ready before setup.

Ensure proper cleanup of press, ink stations, and surrounding work area at end of each run or shift.

Complete accurate electronic or paper documentation of job details, material usage, and downtime.

Safety and Compliance Adhere to all required safety practices, including use of PPE, lockout/tagout, and machine guarding procedures.

Ensure compliance with facility food safety (GMP), product safety, and quality standards.

Engage emergency stop systems and follow protocols during maintenance or mechanical troubleshooting.

Communication and Collaboration Effectively communicate with oncoming shift, supervisors, quality control, and support staff to maintain continuity and resolve production concerns.

Document job issues and provide feedback to management for continuous improvement.

Train new or less experienced operators on wide web press procedures, maintenance, and safety.

Qualifications:

Prior experience operating wide-web flexographic printing presses strongly preferred.

Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with complex press equipment.

Ability to distinguish subtle color variations and match ink to color standards (no color blindness).Basic math skills and ability to read tape measures, micrometers, and gauges.

Ability to lift 50–75 lbs. and manipulate larger materials with hoists or mechanical assistance.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail under production demands.

Comfort standing for long periods and working in a fast-paced, physically active environment.

Strong understanding of press tension, web paths, anilox/cylinder specifications, and material properties.

Essential Physical and Cognitive Functions:

Must possess strong reading comprehension to interpret production orders, identify correct printing plates, understand materials usage, and recognize safety instructions, reports, and warning signs.

Must accurately differentiate subtle color variations to ensure color matching per job specifications.

Must be capable of lifting 50–75 lb. air shafts unassisted and maneuvering materials weighing 100–300-1500 lbs. using mechanical assistance.

Must demonstrate basic math proficiency, including the ability to read a ruler and perform measurements for roll diameters, widths, and packaging specifications.

Must have directional awareness to distinguish right from left on equipment and follow both verbal and written operational instructions.

Must be physically agile—able to bend, stoop, squat, and climb as needed to access press components, move cylinders, and adjust machinery…