Press Operator

Press Operator

The Press Operator prepares, sets up, and operates printing presses for assigned print jobs, ensuring accurate color, print quality, and alignment to specifications. This role loads appropriate film and ink, performs quality checks, manages hazardous materials safely, and moves completed jobs to pallets for pickup in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the press and all job components for each print job, including anilox rolls, ink, film, and related materials.
• Review and follow spec sheets carefully to determine correct colors, gear sizes, and press settings.
• Load and adjust ink and film on the press, checking color, registration, and placement on the film.
• Fine-tune anilox rolls and printing plates to ensure the job is printing according to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Check UPC codes on printed materials to ensure they are scannable and meet quality requirements.
• Perform regular quality checks during production to identify and correct blots, errors, or defects.
• Move completed jobs to pallets and stage them properly for pickup and further processing.
• Manage and handle hazardous waste in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Follow all safety guidelines, wear designated personal protective equipment, and comply with OSHA safety requirements.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks on the press and related equipment to minimize downtime.
• Carry out rework on printed materials as needed to meet quality and specification standards.
• Collaborate with production team members to maintain efficient workflow and meet production schedules.
• Document production activities and any issues encountered according to company procedures.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent education and experience.
• Previous experience operating a printing press, such as flexographic, stack, lithographic, or gravure presses.
• Hands-on experience with press operation in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and use a measuring tape accurately.
• Ability to read, write, and understand simple and concise instructions or production information.
• General production experience in a manufacturing or similar setting.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime based on production needs.
• Ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly.
• Ability to operate an overhead hoist system to move cylinders weighing in excess of 200 pounds.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and twist frequently throughout the shift.
• Ability to work safely around strong solvent smells in parts of the plant while following safety protocols.
• Knowledge of basic press setup, ink handling, and print quality checks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with flexographic printing processes and materials.
• Background in ink packaging, machine operation, or other printing press equipment.
• Familiarity with flexography and related printing technologies.
• Comfort working in a structured, specification-driven production environment.
• Attention to detail when checking color, registration, and UPC code readability.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and proper hazardous waste handling practices.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a long-term role in a stable, well-organized production environment with a positive culture. Team members benefit from a clear pay progression structure, including scheduled pay raise opportunities at 4 months, 6 months, and 1-year reviews, recognizing performance and commitment. The facility provides a climate-controlled workplace and emphasizes safety, consistency, and professional growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a food packaging manufacturing facility that is climate controlled to support comfort and product quality. The environment includes exposure to strong solvent smells in certain areas, with safety protocols in place. Team members follow a defined dress and safety code that includes wearing a hair net, ear plugs, and steel-toe footwear; makeup, fake nails, and eyelash extensions are not permitted during work to maintain product and process integrity. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and twisting, as well as handling materials of varying weights and operating an overhead hoist system. Available schedules include rotating day shifts, rotating night shifts, Monday–Thursday nights, and weekend nights, offering different shift options within a continuous production setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lenexa, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lenexa, KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.