Press Assistant - 1st Shift

JOB SUMMARY

The Press Assistant is a vital member of the production team, responsible for supporting the Press Operator in the efficient setup, operation, changeover, and maintenance of printing presses. This role combines technical assistance with a structured learning path toward becoming a professional Press Operator. The Press Assistant ensures the timely production of high-quality materials by preparing supplies, performing routine maintenance, and conducting quality checks. Success in this role requires a strong mechanical aptitude, a safety-first attitude, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a high sense of urgency.

Responsibilities and Activities

• Assists the Press Operator with machine setup procedures and leads quick changes from one job to the next. This includes measuring materials, preparing the workspace, mounting/changing plates, cleaning rollers, and feeding paper.
• Supports the Operator in running the machine at optimal speeds; learns to make minor adjustments to ensure productivity and minimize waste. Tends the press in the absence of the Press Operator.
• Mixes ink in accordance with PMS or Joules PMS books. Performs routine cleaning of ink fountains, plates, and press units.
• Locates, stages, and pulls necessary supplies/stock to and from the press. Lifts and positions rolls of paper into the feed mechanism and processes finished pallets.
• Maintains the cleanliness of machinery and the organization of the workspace to ensure equipment longevity and a hazard-free environment.
• Conducts frequent visual quality checks to identify common print defects (e.g., color shift, hickeys, set-off); reports findings immediately to the Operator to uphold quality standards.
• Tracks and records job counts, make-ready status, and waste metrics with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Participates in training to develop technical skills in offset print production and software-driven mechanical systems.
• Maintains clear verbal and written communication with the Operator and Team Lead regarding job status, supply needs, and production concerns.
• Exhibits a safety-first attitude by adhering to all departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), proper PPE compliance, and lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Performs additional responsibilities as required to ensure the team's success.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Work Experience

• Six months as a machine operator or 2 years' experience running production equipment preferred.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing, production, or physical labor environment is a plus.
• Experience with computers and software-driven mechanical systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude with a genuine enthusiasm for learning complex industrial processes and the ability to read/understand job tickets.
• Ability to use machinery such as Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, and Walkie Riders.
• Able to stand and move around the press area for long periods (on concrete floors), bend, kneel, twist, and stoop throughout the day.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds from floor to waist regularly and occasionally up to 40 pounds; occasional lifting above the shoulders.
• Ability to work around various chemicals such as press wash and inks.
• Effective communicator with good interpersonal skills; able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to work overtime and occasional shifts other than the primary assignment as required.

Shift: 5am-5pm
Req Benefits: We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plan, long and short-term disability, life insurance and employee assistance programs. We also offer PTO, holidays, sick days & volunteer days and tuition assistance.
Additional Details : We are an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, transgender status, disability, age, family or marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At our Company, we have a clear vision: to foster and maintain a supportive and cooperative workplace that celebrates uniqueness and advances equity. We pride ourselves on helping people help people, and we know our company runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is more than a commitment at our Company-it is in everything that we do.