Press Feeder

Job Title: 3rd Shift Press Feeder

Job Description

• The 3rd Shift Press Feeder prepares and operates the automatic feeder, maintains the trailing coater, and supports tandem press operations. This role works closely with the press operator to ensure efficient, high-quality printing runs and may assume full press operation under supervision during the press operator's temporary absence. Qualified applicants must have previous experience in a lithography or printing environment. Have to be flexible to train on a 1st shift for 3-8 weeks before moving to 3rd shift. This is a direct placement opportunity that offers excellent benefits, great pay, and with a company that focuses on a great working environment and safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the press feed section according to the sheet size and job specifications.

• Assist the press operator in setting up the press, including installing press plates, setting dampeners and rollers, filling the ink fountain, and preparing fountain solution with correct pH and conductivity.

• Inspect each load of plates delivered to verify correct size, job number, plate position, and overall condition before loading into the feeder.

• Align loads for proper continuous feeding and adjust the double sheet ejector to prevent feeding issues.

• Monitor feeder operation continuously during runs to detect damaged sheets, prevent jams, and avoid damage to blankets, press plates, and press cylinders.

• Insert sheet holding forks near the end of each load to maintain continuous feeding between loads.

• Assist the press operator during runs by mixing inks, washing press plates and blankets, and performing other press-related tasks as assigned.

• Operate the press completely during temporary absences of the press operator, under the press operator's supervision.

• Perform routine oiling of the press and feeder as directed.

• Carry out washup of the press during color changes and at the end of the day, shift, or week.

• Maintain accurate daily log cards and order work copies, including operations performed, sheet counts, and spoilage records.

• Occasionally hand pile sheets onto feeder skids as assigned.

• Set up the trailing coater and maintain proper film weight, viscosity, and coverage throughout the run.

• Change the composition coating roller when necessary and ensure thorough washup of the coating machine between material changes and at the end of the day, shift, or week to support smooth start-ups.

Essential Skills

• Experience with printing presses and press feeder operation.

• Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and operational issues on printing and feeder equipment.

• Hands-on experience with lithographic printing processes.

• Proficiency in machine operation, including setting up and adjusting equipment.

• Ability to assist with press setups, including press plating and related tasks.

• Strong attention to detail and quality inspection skills to identify defects and prevent equipment damage.

• Ability to clean and maintain presses and related equipment on a daily and periodic basis.

• Capability to accurately log production information, including counts and spoilage.

• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with moving machinery.

• Ability to pass the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test.

• Ability to use and read basic measuring equipment accurately.

• Ability to read and comprehend work orders and layout specifications.

• Knowledge of coating materials and their application.

• High school diploma, GED equivalency, or vocational certificate.

• Ability to work with parts or materials weighing up to approximately 60 lbs.

• Ability to stand for most of the shift.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a lithography or printing environment.

• Experience preparing printing press feed sections for various sheet sizes.

• Familiarity with setting and maintaining fountain solutions, including pH and conductivity.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with continuous feeding operations.

• Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate logs and documentation.

• Ability to work collaboratively with press operators and other team members.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive time-off and support structure designed to promote work-life balance and personal well-being. The bereavement policy offers enhanced paid time off for immediate family relationships. A dedicated Health, Safe, and Personal (HSP) Time policy provides 40 hours of paid time off per year, separate from vacation, usable in flexible 1-hour increments for appointments, personal needs, or emergencies. The holiday program includes 12 paid holidays annually, combining standard legal holidays with additional company-specific days. Team members can take paid time off to volunteer in the community, reflecting a strong commitment to social responsibility. New parents receive 100% paid parental leave, supporting mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents alike. A structured vacation policy further supports rest, recovery, and long-term engagement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a climate-controlled lithography department with a close-knit, collaborative culture. The environment centers on lithographic printing presses, automatic feeders, and trailing coaters, with frequent interaction with inks, coatings, and related materials. The position is physically active, requiring standing for most of the shift and handling materials up to approximately 60 lbs. Third shift is from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with initial training on first shift (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) for approximately 3-8 weeks and there's a higher shift premium for third shift workers. The facility supports long-tenured team members and emphasizes stability, safety, and consistent production quality.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Rockford, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60216.00 - $69248.40/yr.

Bereavement Policy: Recently enhanced to provide additional paid time off for immediate family relationships, including parents, spouses, and children. Health, Safe, and Personal (HSP) Time Policy: Offers 40 hours of paid time off per year, separate from vacation time for appointments, personal needs, or emergencies. This time can be used in 1-hour increments, making it especially flexible. Holiday Policy: Includes 12 paid holidays annually, with a mix of standard legal holidays and additional JL Clark-specific holidays. Paid Time Off for Volunteer Work: A new policy allowing employees to volunteer in the community while receiving regular pay. Parental Leave Policy: Provides 100% paid time off for new parents; mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents alike. Vacation Policy: Details our vacation structure and guidelines.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.