Die Cutting Machine Operator (Will Train the Right Candidate)

Who We Are

Sonderen Packaging is a third-generation, family-owned folding carton manufacturer with a reputation for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

Why Join Sonderen?

At Sonderen Packaging, we work hard, support one another and celebrate our successes together. Whether it's recognizing achievements, giving back to our community, or sharing a laugh on the production floor, we've built a culture where people enjoy coming to work.

If you're looking for a company that values your contributions and takes pride in doing things the right way, apply today for consideration to be a part of our team!

What We Offer

• $500 Sign-On Bonus (if eligible)
• Quarterly Performance Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with up to a 4% company match (eligible after 6 months; immediately vested)
• Four health insurance plan options, each including vision coverage
• Dental Insurance
• Employer-paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and 8 Paid Holidays

SUMMARY

Please note that this list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by an incumbent in this role. Duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Set up and operate die-cutting equipment to cut and crease paperboard according to job specifications and established production requirements.
• Follow established make-ready procedures for each job to ensure accurate setup, efficient changeovers, and readiness for production.
• Load material into the feeder and safely remove, stack, or transfer finished sheets or cartons from the equipment as required.
• Maintain consistent cut and crease quality, proper registration, and make real-time adjustments to ensure production standards are met.
• Read and interpret production schedules and job bags to determine job sequence, customer requirements, and verify that all required materials and supplies are in-house or on order.
• Record and manage job-specific data including chase setup, gripper margin, tonnage, cut count, run speed, and any special instructions.
• Make real-time machine adjustments to maintain consistent product quality, proper registration, and efficient production.
• Monitor machine performance throughout the run and troubleshoot minor mechanical, feeding, registration, or production issues; promptly report conditions requiring maintenance or supervisory support.
• Ensure necessary tooling, materials, and supplies are available for the scheduled job and report missing or incorrect items before production begins.
• Coordinate with manager(s), Quality, and other team members as needed to address production issues and support efficient workflow, and meet production targets.
• Assist with training and cross-training employees on machine operation, setup procedures, and established work practices as assigned.
• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately and maintain clear communication with incoming and outgoing shifts to ensure continuity.
• Must maintain regular and predictable attendance; must be able to work overtime when required.
• Perform all work in accordance with company policies, procedures, practices, core values, and standards of conduct.
• Follow safety procedures and practices to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to communicate effectively, and discern warning or emergency alarms, including forklift horns.
• Sufficient vision to review and read documents, reports, and other job-related information, and observe signage in the plant
• Sufficient manual dexterity to perform repetitive motions in fingering and hand/wrist/arm movements.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 lbs., occasionally carry up to 75 lbs., and push/pull up to 100 lbs. Work is performed between floor and waist height.
• Ability to stand stationary for up to 7.50 hours cumulatively.
• Ability to walk up to 3.00 hours cumulatively.
• Sufficient body flexibility and balance which require repeated bending, twisting, and squatting motions.
• Ability to bend and twist at the head, neck and waist.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs.
• Sufficient ability to concentrate and complete tasks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical working conditions are exposed to moderate noise but at times may be exposed to loud and excessive noise
• Production areas of the facility may include variations in temperature, humidity, and exposure to dust, dirt, and debris.
• Operation of hand tools, forklifts, pallet jacks, air hammer, and other support equipment may be used.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Die-cutting equipment, components, controls, operating principles, and setup and make-ready procedures.
• Die installation, chase setup, cutting and creasing requirements, registration, pressure or tonnage adjustments, feeder and delivery setup, and applicable stripping or blanking processes.
• Paperboard characteristics, including thickness or caliper, grain direction, coatings, and other material properties that may affect cutting, creasing, feeding, or finished-product quality.
• Common die-cutting defects, their likely causes, and appropriate machine or process adjustments.
• Production job documentation, specifications, quality requirements, and established approval procedures.
• Basic mechanical principles and operator-level equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Machine safety practices, including guarding, lockout/tagout, safe jam-clearing procedures, and material handling.
• Applicable quality, GMP, food safety, and contamination-control practices.

SKILL AND ABILITY TO:

• Set up and operate die-cutting equipment accurately and efficiently in accordance with job specifications and established procedures.
• Read and interpret production schedules, job bags, specifications, safety rules, operating procedures, instructions, and Company policies.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Solve practical production and equipment problems.
• Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Identify quality defects and make appropriate machine adjustments to maintain cut, crease, registration, and overall product quality.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment and production issues.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, downtime, waste, and machine-setting records.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with team members, managers, maintenance, Quality, and other departments regarding production, equipment, workflow, and quality concerns.
• Work cooperatively with others and address production or interpersonal concerns professionally and with a solution-oriented approach.
• Maintain attention to detail while working safely and efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Minimum of six (6) months of job-related die-cutting or similar manufacturing experience with demonstrated hands-on mechanical aptitude.