Assistant Press Operator

Assistant Press Operator

Location: Surgoinsville, TN

Pay: $16.50

2nd and 3rd shifts available

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Assistant Press Operator to support press operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position assists Press Operators with press setup, ink preparation, cylinder mounting, warehouse support, and wash house duties while ensuring safety, quality, and production standards are met. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a manufacturing setting with deadlines and physical activity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow OSHA standards and plant safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space, hazard communication, hazardous waste, and fire safety procedures.
• Adhere to ISO procedures and GMP personnel practices and guidelines.
• Supply presses with roll stock and prepare rolls for splicing.
• Operate overhead cranes to mount and unmount raw and printed material rolls on rotogravure presses and WIP racks.
• Deliver raw material samples to Quality Assurance for testing.
• Assist press operators with web breaks, viscosity checks, and auto-viscosity setup.
• Mount cylinders and verify correct cylinders and inks are staged for each job.
• Set up ink pumps, hoses, and sumps during job changeovers.
• Support press crews during all phases of job setup and changeovers.
• Inspect cylinder conditions and record required data.
• Operate parts washers and solvent recovery systems.
• Mix and match inks to production standards.
• Stage inks, varnishes, coatings, and solvents for production runs.
• Maintain inventory of inks, coatings, solvents, and related supplies.
• Load and unload raw materials and cylinders and assist with warehouse organization as needed.
• Prepare starch mixtures for press operations.
• Stage packaging materials and palletized bobbins.
• Push and pull printed press rolls and slitter rolls.
• Maintain accurate production paperwork and records.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or management.

Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under production deadlines.
• Mechanical aptitude required.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
• Ability to safely lift heavy materials and operate forklifts or material handling equipment in tight areas.
• Strong color vision and visual acuity to identify print defects and quality issues.
• Basic computer skills for accessing job specifications and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move and lift objects up to 75 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and reaching.
• Ability to load, unload, and package products.
• Mandatory use of PPE in designated areas.
• Comfortable working around manufacturing equipment and chemicals in accordance with company safety procedures.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two years of manufacturing or related work experience preferred.