Job Title: Assistant Operator
Job Title: Assistant Operator
The machines are a critical system that needs to be optimized for utilization and efficiency to maximize production. The Assistant Operator role works closely with the Lead Machine Operator to prepare materials, assist with setups and production runs that meet the scheduled production goals efficiently with high-quality
output, defect free, safely.
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 with Lead Operator prior to production start to ensure accuracy of specifications, routings, set up instructions, standard run times, drawing details, etc.
- Assist in setting up and operating Flexo Machine
- 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, slotting section, folding section and glue system
- Confirm first article specificationso
- Confirm correct board grade
- Product dimensions
- Print specifications including print plates, color match and design
- Other specifications: slotting, scoring, folding, and glue 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 along with Lead Operator.
- Monitor print quality, color consistency, and registration along with Lead Operator.
- Inspect finished products to ensure they meet specifications.
- Communicate shift updates and machine conditions to incoming operators
- Complete production per the schedule to meet on-time delivery goals in the standard time scheduled for the operation and record production data and downtime logs as assigned.
- 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 Lead Operator.
- 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.
- Monitor scrap rates and implement corrective actions
Equipment Maintenance
- Report any detected mechanical issues or defects to the Lead Operator immediately.
- Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor troubleshooting of equipment as directed following lockout/tagout procedures.
Qualifications & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
- Previous printing or corrugated manufacturing experience is a plus.
- Mechanical aptitude with ability to read job orders, measurements, and production specs.
- Ability and willingness to learn machine setup and adjustments.
- Basic math skills (counts, measurements, conversions).
- Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment.
- Positive attitude and service-oriented approach.
Key Leadership Traits:
- Values Teamwork and has strong communication skills.
- Maintains a positive, customer-focused attitude.
- High attention to detail and quality control.
- Good time management skills with a drive to maintain and increase production productivity.
- Values Safety for themselves and coworkers.
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 long 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.