Machine Operator II - PBP/Kluge

DALLAS LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND•Farmers Branch, TX

58d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled Bindery & Finishing Operator to set up, operate, and maintain our premium finishing line. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end execution of high-end print finishing projects using three core pieces of equipment: a Kluge EHD Foil Stamper, a Perfecta Cutting System Premium Line 115 or Similar, and a Kolbus DA 270 Case Maker/Binder or similar. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional mechanical aptitude, a mastery of registration and cutting precision, and a deep understanding of luxury book binding and embellishment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred
3–5+ years of hands-on experience operating industrial bindery equipment, specifically with a proven track record on Kluge platens, programmable linear paper cutters, and automated case-making/binding lines.
Strong understanding of paper grain, glue chemistry, foil properties, and the unique physics of platen pressure and automated binding.
Ability to interpret complex production layouts, imposition sheets, and structural folding diagrams.
Exceptional decimal and fractional math skills.
Ability to stand for long shifts, perform repetitive lifting of paper lifts/boards weighing up to 50 lbs, and work safely around high-heat and fast-moving mechanical parts.
A perfectionist mindset required for handling luxury, high-value print collateral.

Responsibilities

Independently set up the Kluge EHD platen press for foil stamping, embossing, debossing, and die-cutting based on strict job ticket specifications.
Mount, lock up, and align magnesium, copper, or brass dies. Correctly calculate and monitor dwell times, pressure settings, and multi-zone heating elements.
Calibrate mechanical feeder arms and vacuum registration systems to handle luxury, heavy, or textured paper stocks without scuffing or marking.
Program, adjust, and operate the Perfecta Premium Line 115 cutter, utilizing its digital interface for complex cut sequences and layouts.
Square, jog, and lift large paper lifts onto the cutting table, ensuring absolute precision to avoid shifting.
Monitor blade sharpness, safely change cutting knives, and adjust clamp pressure according to the fragility or density of the stock.
Perform precise mechanical setups and rapid changeovers on the Kolbus DA 270 for hard-cover book production, game boards, or luxury packaging components.
Monitor and adjust hot-melt/cold glue viscosity, temperature, and application thickness. Ensure accurate feeding of cloth, paper cover materials, and heavy board.
Safely operate the binder at peak speeds while continuously verifying that corners are tightly wrapped, boards are aligned, and the final cases meet geometric specifications.
Perform rigorous quality checks throughout production runs to catch micro-defects, foil picking, cutting drift, or case warping.
Clean, oil, grease, and troubleshoot routine mechanical issues across all three lines to ensure minimal downtime.