Printing Press Helper - Second Shift

McCracken Bag & Label Co.•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Press Helper works alongside the Press Operator to set up, run, and maintain printing press equipment. This is a full-time, hands-on production role responsible for supporting print quality, keeping accurate records, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. If you enjoy working with machinery and are looking to grow in the printing industry, this is a great opportunity.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required.
Must be available to work various shifts, including overtime when needed.
Must follow all safety regulations and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to identify and distinguish colors. A basic color vision test may be required.
Good communication skills to work well with teammates and other departments such as Shipping, Art, and Customer Service.
Must be able to speak and understand English to communicate with coworkers and management.
Able to read and understand job orders, safety guidelines, and equipment instructions.
Comfortable with basic math including measuring and simple calculations.
Mechanically inclined with the ability to set up and change over machinery.

Nice To Haves

1 to 3 years of experience with printing presses is preferred.
Familiarity with flexographic (flexo) printing, including equipment, materials, and safety practices is a plus.
Technical or trade school training in a related field is a plus.
Basic mechanical skills for routine equipment maintenance and minor repairs are a plus.
Basic computer skills for data entry are a plus.
Experience managing printing plates or plate files is also helpful.
Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist the Press Operator in running printing equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
Follow the production schedule and complete all tasks in a safe and timely manner.
Review job orders to understand print quantities, materials, colors, packaging, and production timelines.
Help install plates, dies, cylinders, and other press components as directed by the Press Operator.
Add ink and materials to the press and make adjustments to maintain proper color and consistency.
Cover the press if the Press Operator steps away to ensure it is never left running unattended. Always notify the Press Operator or Supervisor before leaving the area.
Inspect finished products to ensure they meet quality standards and customer requirements.
Pack finished products into cases and verify that all packaging is properly labeled.
Record daily work hours and material usage in the computer system as directed.
Keep all press equipment clean, lubricated, and well-organized.
Maintain a clean and safe work area, floors must be free of oil and other hazards at all times.
Store all tools and supplies in their designated locations for easy access.
Handle ink with care, clean up spills promptly, label containers, and secure them when not in use.