Press Operator – Printing & Production

Plastic Printers•Hastings, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Plastic Printers is seeking an experienced Press Operator to join their production team. This role is critical to the company's in-house production process, which includes printing, embellishing, finishing, quality checking, and shipping custom products. The ideal candidate will take ownership of their equipment, jobs, and product quality, understanding that great production involves precision, consistency, problem-solving, efficiency, and craftsmanship. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in the finished product.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in a printing or press environment
Experience as a Digital Press Operator, Offset Press Operator, Web Press Operator, Prepress Specialist, or similar production role
In-depth understanding of basic printing technologies and production processes
Strong understanding of color, materials, registration, alignment, and quality control
Ability to independently set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment
Ability to stand for extended periods during an 8-hour production shift
Ability to lift or work with up to 50 lbs
Strong attention to detail and time-management skills
Comfortable working around printing and manufacturing equipment
Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-based production environment

Nice To Haves

HP Indigo (HPI) experience or certification
Experience with DOD, embossing, foil stamping, or other embellishment equipment, folder/gluer
Experience with cutting, laminating, and finishing equipment
Prepress experience
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator
Comfortable learning new equipment, technologies, materials, and production processes

Responsibilities

Operate and support digital, offset, large-format, and other printing and production equipment
Review job orders, specifications, artwork, materials, and production requirements
Accurately set up equipment for each job
Monitor color, registration, alignment, consistency, and overall print quality
Make real-time press and process adjustments to maintain quality and production efficiency
Inspect work throughout production
Handle inks, materials, press supplies, plates, screens, or other components as required
Keep production moving efficiently and ahead of schedule
Troubleshoot press, material, print-quality, and production issues
Collaborate with other production areas including prepress, laminating, cutting, embellishment, and finishing
Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning
Keep equipment and work areas clean, organized, and production-ready
Ensure finished product meets quality standards before moving forward