Operator Assistant

FIVE STAR MANAGEMENT•Houston, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Printing Press Operator (Level A) is responsible for the independent and efficient operation of high-performance flexographic presses. This role requires strong technical knowledge, adherence to safety and food-grade compliance standards, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The operator must be able to operate and configure Vistaflex and Miraflex flexographic presses with precision and autonomy, understanding machine dynamics like tension, temperature, ink viscosity, airflow, and pressure. They must also effectively use estimated setup times, manage production data using the Radius system, and adhere strictly to FSSC guidelines and manufacturing hygiene practices. Quality control is paramount, involving the use of BST and AVT inspection systems and minimizing defects. The role also includes maintaining a clean work area, reducing waste, and demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to continuous growth.

Requirements

Independent and efficient operation of high-performance flexographic presses.
Strong technical knowledge.
Adherence to safety and food-grade compliance standards.
Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Operate and configure Vistaflex and Miraflex flexographic presses with precision and autonomy.
Deep understanding of machine dynamics, including tension, temperature, ink viscosity, airflow, and pressure.
Effective use of estimated setup times based on job type and color count.
Knowledge of internal and external factors affecting print quality.
Ability to complete print jobs at required production speed with minimal defects.
Operate and interpret results from BST and AVT inspection systems.
Accurate management of production data and job flow using the Radius system.
Proactive reporting of issues.
Strict adherence to FSSC guidelines and manufacturing hygiene practices.
Proper and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Promotion and maintenance of a safe and hazard-free work area.
Implementation and maintenance of a routine cleaning schedule.
Minimization of material waste and optimization of resource usage.
Demonstration of quality-oriented skills, proactive attitude, and attention to detail.
Self-evaluation and continuous improvement.
Support for a culture of excellence, responsibility, and technical growth.
Ensure and oversee team's use of required safety equipment.
Use appropriate PPE for each activity.
Understand the Jobpack as the main input for the press process.
Accurate understanding of system operation for each press and its indicators.
Understanding of how to manage variables such as tensions, air pressures, viscosity, and temperatures.
Understanding the difference and purpose of Stickyback (1320, 1520, 1720).
Understanding how the Anilox works and its relation to print quality.
Capability to perform troubleshooting and diagnostics of the machine using print errors.
Ability to periodically check press functioning and print quality.
Identification of print error types, their causes, and correction methods.
Recognition of when a machine issue or print error involves internal suppliers.
Understanding the importance of properly handling machine parts.
Verification of Film, Ink/Viscosity, Wind, Plates, Anilox at the beginning of each job.
Properly filling out documentation: Digital Press Report, Approval Labels.
Understanding the procedure for ColorCert.
Ability to change blades when print quality or footage run determines it.
Inspection of roll quality using a printed sample.
Maintaining control of the press after job approval.
Preparation of the next job sequence in advance.
Effective communication with the team.
Responsibility for keeping the work area clean, stocked, and clear.
Periodic cleaning of the machine.
Delegation of tasks to assistants.
Collaboration with administrative staff.
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
Tolerance for working in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot, cold, noisy).

Responsibilities

Operate and configure Vistaflex and Miraflex flexographic presses with precision and autonomy.
Ensure a deep understanding of machine dynamics, including tension, temperature, ink viscosity, airflow, and pressure, to guarantee optimal print performance.
Use estimated setup times effectively based on job type and color count, ensuring efficient changeovers and minimizing downtime.
Apply knowledge of both internal factors (machine components) and external factors (maintenance, supplier inputs, auxiliary systems) that affect print quality.
Successfully complete print jobs at the required production speed while minimizing quality defects.
Operate and interpret results from BST and AVT inspection systems as active tools for real-time quality control.
Accurately manage production data and job flow using the Radius system, including correct use of codes and documentation requirements.
Proactively report issues involving rolls, ink, press functionality, or electrical systems to supervisors or appropriate management.
Strictly adhere to all FSSC (Food Safety Certification Scheme) guidelines and manufacturing hygiene practices.
Ensure proper and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), both personally and among team members.
Promote and maintain a safe and hazard-free work area, modeling safety-first behavior.
Implement and maintain a routine cleaning schedule for the press and surrounding area to support food safety and operational efficiency.
Actively work to minimize material waste and optimize the use of substrates, inks, and other consumables.
Consistently demonstrate quality-oriented skills, a proactive attitude, and attention to detail.
Engage in self-evaluation and continuous improvement to enhance professional performance and contribute to team success.
Support a culture of excellence, responsibility, and technical growth across the department.
Ensure and oversee that your team uses all required safety equipment during their daily activities under your shift.
Use the appropriate PPE for each activity or function that requires it.
Understand the Jobpack as the main input for the press process and its cross-functional use in the following processes.
Accurately understand the system operation for each press and the different indicators that can be found in the system.
Understand how to manage variables such as tensions, air pressures, viscosity, and temperatures of each section of the printer in order to complete the job and ensure quality.
Understand the difference and purpose of Stickyback (1320, 1520, 1720) when diagnosing and printing on detailed or flat surfaces.
Understand how the Anilox works and associate print quality with the Anilox, discerning when it needs to be changed.
Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics of the machine using examples of print errors.
Periodically check the proper functioning of the press and the quality of the printed material.
Identify types of print errors, have at least 3 possible causes for each, and be able to correct them in the safest and most efficient way.
Recognize when a machine issue or print error involves one of the internal suppliers in order to request service.
Understand the importance of properly handling machine parts such as Anilox, plates, and other functional printer components due to their fragility, impact on quality, and cost.
Verify the following at the beginning of each job: Film, Ink/Viscosity, Wind, Plates, Anilox.
Properly fill out the documentation for each report: Digital Press Report, Approval Labels.
Understand the procedure for ColorCert.
Change blades when the print quality or footage run determines it.
Inspect the quality of each roll using a printed sample.
Maintain control of the press after a job is approved.
Have the next job sequence prepared in advance and be alerted to ensure everything is ready when the current one is finished.
Effectively communicate with the team about the day's activities and work sequences.
Be responsible, along with the team, for keeping the work area clean, stocked, and clear.
Clean the machine periodically.
Delegate tasks to the assistants related to the proper functioning of the machine and anticipation for MR.
Collaborate with the administrative staff: Tests, New procedures, Provide information, Point Lessons.