Bindery Operator

Bindery Operator

This role operates a variety of printing and mailing equipment in a full-service marketing and print production environment. The position focuses on supporting commercial printing, direct mail, signage, and promotional material projects, including a high volume of book work for schools and retail shops. You will ensure machines run efficiently, materials are processed accurately, and finished products meet quality standards before shipping.

Responsibilities

• Operate power and manually operated mailing machines for inserting, sorting, traying, tagging, and preparing materials for delivery to the Post Office.
• Set up, run, and monitor bindery, guillotine, ink-jet, cutting, folding, and stitching machines to support a variety of print and mail projects.
• Load and feed paper stock and other supplies into machines, ensuring proper alignment, settings, and continuous operation.
• Examine finished products for defects, perform inspections, and verify quality against job specifications and blueprints.
• Trim edges of bound materials to meet required size and finish standards.
• Package printed and bound materials securely for shipping, ensuring accurate labeling and organization.
• Transport paper stock and finished products by cart or manually throughout the production area.
• Receive, unpack, and store incoming orders and supplies, checking items against invoices for accuracy.
• Assist with basic machine setup and adjustments to maintain productivity and minimize downtime.
• Communicate with customers when needed to clarify job requirements or address questions related to orders.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area around the machines and storage spaces.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience working as a machine operator in a printing environment.
• Hands-on experience operating printing presses, digital presses, or flexographic print equipment.
• Practical knowledge of bindery operations, including cutting, folding, stitching, and trimming.
• Ability to set up and operate a variety of machines used in printing, bindery, and mailing.
• Experience with inspection and quality control of printed materials.
• Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints or job tickets for print and bindery work.
• Comfort with manual material handling, including loading paper stock and transporting finished goods.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in machine operation and finished product review.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in commercial printing, direct mail, or signage production environments.
• Familiarity with web-to-print solutions and digital print workflows.
• Experience in bindery printing processes and finishing techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot minor machine issues and make basic adjustments.
• Good communication skills for occasional customer interaction and team collaboration.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple jobs, materials, and shipping requirements.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a supportive, small-shop environment with meaningful benefits and flexibility. The company pays 50% of medical insurance and offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage. Team members receive a 3% contribution to an IRA, along with two weeks of paid time off accrued in the first year. The close-knit, flexible setting encourages collaboration, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of ownership over the work produced.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small workshop with approximately 5–10 employees, creating a close-knit and collaborative atmosphere. You will work around a variety of printing, bindery, and mailing machines, including guillotine cutters, ink-jet systems, folding and stitching equipment, and digital or traditional presses. The environment is production-focused, with regular physical activity such as loading paper stock, moving carts, and handling finished materials. Work is primarily on-site in the shop, where employees dress appropriately for a hands-on, print manufacturing setting and follow safety guidelines while operating equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eagan, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Eagan, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.