Laminator Machine Operator I

DISTRICT PHOTO INC•College Park, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

At District Photo, our employees are the heart of our company. We are seeking a Laminator Machine Operator 1 in our Beltsville factory. District Photo is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Laminator Machine Operator to join our Production team in Beltsville, Maryland. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining industrial laminating and finishing equipment to produce high-quality printed products that meet customer specifications. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and is committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Experience operating laminators, printing, converting, bindery, or other automated manufacturing equipment is preferred but not required—we are willing to train the right individual.

Requirements

HighSchool Diploma or GED.
Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
Basic understanding of manufacturing or production processes.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Comfortable using computers to enter production information and complete reports.
Reliable attendance and punctuality.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
Frequently lift, push, pull, or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, and repetitive hand movements.
Ability to safely operate automated manufacturing equipment.
Ability to work overtime, weekends, and flexible schedules during peak production periods.
Strong ownership and accountability.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
Willingness to learn new equipment and production processes.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing production priorities.
Strong teamwork and communication skills.
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience operating manufacturing, printing, laminating, converting, packaging, bindery, or finishing equipment.
Experience with machine setup, changeovers, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose routine equipment issues.
Experience working in a Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement environment.
Forklift certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Efficiently perform machine setup, startups, changeovers, operation, and shutdowns following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and production schedules.
Review job tickets and verify customer specifications before beginning production.
Load rolls of laminating material and other production supplies onto equipment safely and efficiently.
Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Perform routine quality inspections throughout production to identify defects and ensure finished products meet customer specifications.
Monitor hourly throughput, waste, and other key production metrics; prepare accurate production reports and operator logs.
Complete all required documentation, including production logs, efficiency reports, waste reports, and quality records.
Review hourly productivity and quality performance with supervisors and communicate any quality, safety, or production concerns promptly.
Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and work with Maintenance to resolve mechanical problems.
Perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance to keep equipment operating safely and efficiently.
Maintain compliance with ISO quality procedures, customer specifications, and all company safety standards.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment using 5S and good housekeeping practices.
Cross-train on additional production equipment and assist other departments as production needs require.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
Assist in training new operators when requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.