Press Operator

Position Overview

We are looking for a hands-on Press Operator for our manufacturing operation.

This person will be responsible for operating and monitoring production press equipment, maintaining product quality, making equipment adjustments, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and helping keep production running efficiently and on schedule.

We are willing to train the right candidate for this role. Previous press-operating experience is not required. Someone with mechanical experience, even at an entry level or gained through hobbies and working on equipment, vehicles, or machinery, may be a strong fit.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with machinery, likes figuring out how equipment works, pays attention to detail, and is willing to learn.

The position will initially train and work on an hourly basis at $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience, with the opportunity to transition into a salaried position that includes health insurance and an IRA account.

Primary Responsibilities

Press Operation

• Learn to set up and operate production press equipment based on job and production requirements.
• Load and prepare materials needed for production runs.
• Monitor the press throughout each run to ensure it is operating correctly.
• Make necessary machine adjustments to maintain consistent production and product quality.
• Follow work orders and production specifications for each job.
• Keep production moving efficiently and help ensure orders remain on schedule.
• Become knowledgeable about the press operation and the overall manufacturing workflow.

Equipment & Troubleshooting

• Monitor equipment for mechanical or operational issues during production.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems and make adjustments when appropriate.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on press equipment.
• Identify worn, damaged, or malfunctioning components and communicate larger repair needs to the appropriate supervisor.
• Help minimize equipment downtime by identifying and addressing problems quickly.
• Maintain a clean and organized machine and work area.

Previous experience with our specific equipment is not required. Strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn are more important.

Mechanical experience does not have to come from a formal manufacturing position. Entry-level mechanical experience or hands-on mechanical hobbies may be considered, particularly for candidates who are comfortable using tools, working on equipment, diagnosing problems, and learning how machinery operates.

Quality & Production

• Inspect materials and finished products throughout production runs to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Monitor alignment, registration, print quality, and overall product consistency as applicable to each job.
• Identify defective or unacceptable products and make appropriate equipment adjustments.
• Follow established procedures to reduce waste and maintain efficient production.
• Maintain accurate production counts and documentation as required.
• Communicate production, quality, material, or equipment issues to the appropriate lead or supervisor.
• Work with other production employees to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
• Follow all company safety procedures and equipment-operating requirements.

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will:

• Have mechanical aptitude and an interest in working with machinery and equipment.
• Have previous mechanical, manufacturing, machine-operation, maintenance, automotive, equipment, or similar hands-on experience — professional or hobby experience may be considered.
• Be comfortable using tools and learning how to make mechanical and operational adjustments.
• Be willing and able to learn press operation; we are willing to train the right person.
• Have strong attention to detail and be able to recognize quality issues.
• Be dependable and capable of working independently once properly trained.
• Be comfortable standing and working around production equipment for the majority of the shift.
• Be organized and able to follow production schedules, work orders, and job specifications.
• Take ownership of their machine, work area, and production responsibilities.
• Be willing to learn additional equipment and processes within the manufacturing operation.
• Work well as part of a production team and communicate effectively when problems arise.

Schedule & Compensation

This is a second-shift, Monday–Friday position.

• Standard schedule is approximately 4:00 PM–12:00 AM.
• There is some flexibility with the shift, and a schedule such as 2:00 PM–10:00 PM may also work for the right candidate.
• Training/starting compensation is approximately $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience.
• The goal is to transition the employee from hourly training into a salaried position.
• The salaried position includes health insurance and an IRA account.