Press Operator

Press Operator

Mittera is looking for a Press Operator to join our growing team! We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Press Operator to operate and maintain printing presses used in the production of high-quality trading cards. The Press Operator is responsible for setting up press equipment, monitoring print quality, making adjustments during production, and ensuring finished products meet established quality and color standards.

The ideal candidate has experience operating commercial printing equipment and understands the importance of precision, consistency, and quality in high-volume production.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor printing presses used to produce trading cards and related printed materials.
• Prepare press equipment, including loading paper/cardstock, plates, inks, coatings, and other required materials.
• Perform press make-ready and adjust registration, color, ink density, pressure, and other settings as needed.
• Monitor production throughout the run to maintain consistent print quality.
• Inspect printed sheets for color accuracy, registration, image quality, defects, and other specifications.
• Make adjustments to equipment to correct print-quality issues and minimize waste.
• Follow job tickets, production schedules, artwork specifications, and quality standards.
• Conduct routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventative maintenance on press equipment.
• Troubleshoot common mechanical and printing issues and communicate larger equipment problems to maintenance or management.
• Maintain accurate production, waste, and quality records.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures and proper PPE requirements.
• Work closely with prepress, finishing, quality control, and production teams to meet production deadlines.
• Assist with other production duties as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In keeping with Mittera's philosophy that each individual should be encouraged to reach his or her full potential, and in compliance with the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations or modifications will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Hours may vary depending on departmental staffing needs.

• Previous experience as a Press Operator, Printing Press Operator, or similar manufacturing position preferred.
• Experience with commercial, offset, digital, sheet-fed, or specialty printing equipment is a plus.
• Strong understanding of color, registration, print quality, and production processes.
• Ability to read and follow job specifications and production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify print defects.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and move materials as required.
• Basic computer skills.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts when production demands require it.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and work in various positions around printing equipment.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull materials, paper/cardstock, ink, supplies, and finished products.
• Ability to regularly handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier materials moved using appropriate equipment or with assistance.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive tasks, including operating controls, adjusting equipment, handling printed sheets, and inspecting products.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to safely work around moving machinery, rollers, belts, and other press equipment while following established safety procedures.
• Ability to visually inspect printed materials for color, registration, print quality, and defects.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing/pressroom environment with exposure to noise, dust, inks, coatings, and production equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other equipment as required.

Work Environmental Factors

• Full-time position with some flexibility required for urgent projects
• Climate-controlled production environment
• May involve exposure to machinery noise and heated equipment

Mittera is a leading-edge company that provides commercial and digital printing, finishing, graphic design, data analytics, direct mail processing, and fulfillment services. Mittera's full-service approach connects data-driven revelations, bar-raising creative, and expertly printed materials to give our customers' brand recognition it deserves. Competitive compensation and robust benefits plans are offered. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and AD&D Policies
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• 401K with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Location specific benefits should go here!

Mittera is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.