Job Title: Operator
Job Title: Operator
The Operator is responsible for the complete setup, operation, and performance of the machine to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. The operator is accountable for machine productivity, product quality,
waste control, safety compliance, and crew coordination during assigned shifts.
Core Accountabilities:
Safety & Compliance
• Observe all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and plant safety standards, including the use of PPE around equipment and during operation.
• Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning properly during operation.
• Ensure all employees working in the area also remain safe and compliant with PPE safety and observe all other safety requirements.
• Follow all lockout/tagout safety procedures whenever performing maintenance on the equipment or when required to be in the machine’s operating envelope.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment at all times (5S standards).
• Report any area or machine conditions that may create the risk of an accident.
• Report any accident or near-miss immediately to Production Supervisor.
Production
- Review job packets prior to setup and production start to ensure accuracy of specifications, routings, set
up instructions, standard run times, drawing details, etc. - Lead the machine setup
- Prepare inks, plates, and materials for production runs per job packet.
- Mount and align printing plates and cutting dies.
- Set ink systems for proper viscosity and color match.
- Adjust feed section, print section, die cut section, beater belt section, and stacker.
- Confirm first article specifications
- Confirm correct board grade.
- Print registration, color consistency, die cut registration, and box dimensions.
- Other specifications:
- Obtain first-article approval prior to beginning production run
- Optimize production rates and respond to any material or equipment issue as they arise.
- Properly load materials onto the machine.
- Confirm optimum press speed and make press adjustments during production.
- Unload finished products as directed.
- Monitor print quality, color consistency, and registration.
- Continually inspect finished products to ensure they meet specifications and take corrective action as required..
- Complete production per the schedule to meet on-time delivery goals in the standard time scheduled for the operation and complete production reports, downtime logs and quality check sheets.
- Clean ink systems, plates, and press components during and after runs.
- Support job changeovers.
- Perform other duties as requested from time to time.
Quality Assurance
- Follow work instructions on setup exactly or request a deviation from the Production Supervisor.
- Ensure in-process inspections and final inspections are performed.
- Confirm customer specifications and quality standards are met prior to shipment.
- Work with Quality Control to address non-conformance issues and implement corrective action that ensures the defect will not recur.
- Reduce scrap rates through proper setup and continuous monitoring, and implement corrective actions to improve yields.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
Equipment Maintenance
- Identify die wear, alignment issues, and feeding problems.
- Report any detected mechanical issues or defects to the Production Supervisor immediately.
- Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor troubleshooting of equipment as directed following lockout/tagout procedures.
Team Leadership
- Promotes teamwork and accountability.
- Maintains a positive, customer-focused attitude.
- Assist in training new operators and helpers as needed.
- Directs and supports feeder operators/helpers.
- Ensures crew members understand job requirements.
- Communicates shift updates and machine conditions to incoming operators.
- High attention to detail and quality control.
- Possesses drive to maintain and increase production productivity.
- Values Safety for themselves and coworkers
Performance Expectations
- Meet or exceed established production rates.
- Maintain scrap within acceptable company standards.
- Minimize machine downtime.
- Complete production documentation completely and accurately.
- Maintain high safety and housekeeping standards.
- Demonstrate leadership and professionalism
Qualifications & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
- Minimum 2–3 years of Die Cut experience preferred
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to read job tickets, blueprints, and use measuring tools.
- Basic math skills (counts, measurements, conversions).
- Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment.
Work Environment:
- Position is based at company headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.
- Full-time position with flexibility for overtime and extended hours as needed.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Exposure to moving machinery and fork truck traffic.
- Exposure to water-based inks and solvents.
- Physical demands include ability to lift up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, bending, reaching and repetitive motion.
- Exposure to manufacturing noise; hearing protection is required in designated areas.
- Exposure to dust and heat typical to a corrugated box plant; PPE provided as required.
- Steel-toed boots are required.