Printing Press Operator

Job Title: Press Operator
Job Description
The Press Operator sets up, operates, and maintains printing presses to produce high-quality labels and printed materials in accordance with work orders, technical cards, and quality standards. This role ensures the correct tooling, plates, ink, and materials are used, monitors press performance, and works closely with quality assurance and inspection teams to meet production specifications and schedules.
Responsibilities

• Verify that correct tooling, plates, ink, and materials are available, in good condition, and ready for each job.
• Read and follow work orders and technical cards to accurately set up the printing press.
• Update computer systems for data collection to track run time, downtime, and production metrics.
• Set up the press according to job specifications and provide sample prints to quality assurance for approval.
• Communicate with Inspectors to ensure sufficient high-quality labels are produced to fulfill each order.
• Operate the press and continuously monitor ink levels, registration, and print quality throughout the run.
• Perform roll splicing to maintain continuous production and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot and correct production problems, making necessary adjustments and updating technical cards when changes occur.
• Maintain cleanliness of the press, peripherals, and surrounding work area to support efficient and safe operations.
• Report mechanical and safety issues promptly and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safe operating procedures at all times.
• Coordinate press changeovers efficiently to meet production schedules and may assist in training other team members as needed.
• Review job orders to make appropriate adjustments to the printing machine in line with specifications and blueprints.
• Install parts and supplies such as ink rollers, screens, printing plates, stencils, and other components according to job requirements.
• Test inks and paints on the printing surface to determine suitability and ensure desired print results.
• Handle the full production process of printed materials, including printing, racking, and preparing output to meet specifications and deadlines.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on the printing machine to keep equipment in optimal working condition.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, including unusual noises or performance concerns, and take corrective action.
• Clean the printing press and related peripherals regularly to support quality and equipment longevity.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support overall production and team objectives.

Essential Skills

• Previous printing experience, preferably with press operation in environments such as flexographic, digital, gravure, hot stamp, cold foil, or screen printing.
• Hands-on experience with printing presses and machine operation, including flexographic presses and flexographic printing processes.
• Ability to review and interpret job orders, specifications, and blueprints to make correct adjustments to the printing machine.
• Proficiency in installing printing components such as ink rollers, screens, printing plates, and stencils according to job specifications.
• Skill in testing inks and paints on various printing surfaces to determine suitability and achieve required quality.
• Experience handling the full production cycle of printed materials, including printing, racking, and preparing jobs to meet specifications and schedules.
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks on printing machines and related equipment.
• Competence in troubleshooting equipment issues, including identifying and resolving mechanical problems.
• Good mathematical aptitude to support accurate measurements, calculations, and setup activities.
• Ability to use a ruler, calculator, and basic hand tools safely and effectively.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English to understand work orders, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accuracy and consistency in production.
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed to meet production demands.
• Good mechanical aptitude to understand and work with mechanical systems and components.
• Physical ability to lift up to 70 lbs and perform bending, reaching, and climbing as required by the role.
• Ability to stand for up to 6 consecutive hours during press operation.
• Ability to push and pull loads up to 200 lbs in a production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with multiple printing methods, including flexography, digital printing, gravure, hot stamp, cold foil, and screen printing.
• Experience in production environments with print presses and machine operation.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safe operating procedures in a production setting.
• Comfort working with computer systems for data collection, run time, and downtime tracking.
• Ability to coordinate press changeovers efficiently and support training of other team members.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with Inspectors and quality assurance personnel.
• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility in supporting varying production schedules, including overtime and weekend work.

Why Work Here?
Join a clean, organized, and temperature-controlled production environment where safety, quality, and teamwork are core values. You will work with well-maintained equipment, follow clear processes, and collaborate closely with experienced colleagues who support continuous learning and skill development. The role offers opportunities to expand your technical expertise in diverse printing methods while contributing to a reliable, high-performing production team.
Work Environment
This role is based in a temperature-controlled and clean production facility focused on safe and efficient printing operations. You will work on and around printing presses and related peripherals, using tools such as rulers, calculators, basic hand tools, and computer systems for data collection. The position involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 70 lbs, and pushing or pulling loads up to 200 lbs, as well as bending, reaching, and climbing during setup and maintenance tasks. The environment emphasizes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices and safe operating procedures, with a strong focus on equipment cleanliness and orderly work areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Windsor, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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: \u2022 Medical, dental & vision \u2022 Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital \u2022 401(k) Retirement Plan \u2013 Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available \u2022 Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) \u2022 Short and long-term disability \u2022 Health Spending Account (HSA) \u2022 Transportation benefits \u2022 Employee Assistance Program \u2022 Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in East Windsor,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek\u00AE Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.


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.