Sheetfed First Press Operator

Quad•Salt Lake City, UT

4h•Onsite

About The Position

At Quad, we are seeking ambitious, mechanically inclined, and detail-oriented individuals to join our growing team in Salt Lake City, UT. Quad Packaging is looking for a Sheetfed First Press Operator to work on an 8-hour day shift. This role offers the opportunity to enhance skills working with advanced Packaging Equipment. Quad, headquartered in Wisconsin, is a marketing experience company that connects brands with consumers through its MX Solutions Suite, integrating creative, production, and media across online and offline channels. The company serves approximately 2,100 clients globally, focusing on commerce, financial services, and health, and is recognized as a large agency and commercial printer. The Sheetfed First Press Operator I is an experienced press operator responsible for setting up, adjusting, operating, and maintaining multi-color sheetfed offset printing presses, ensuring printed materials meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production efficiency cost-effectively.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Machine repair and maintenance experience required.
Thorough knowledge of sheetfed offset printing processes, materials, equipment, and safety requirements.
Strong ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, SOPs, safety rules, and maintenance instructions.
Skilled in routine operational maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
Computer proficiency required.
Detail‑oriented with strong quality focus.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple responsibilities.
Effective communication skills for one‑on‑one and small group interactions.
Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to written, oral, or diagram‑based instructions.
Consistent attendance and punctuality.
Successful completion of color vision testing required.
Knowledge of Lockout/Tagout procedures and production danger zones.

Nice To Haves

3–5 years of experience as a Sheetfed Press Operator preferred.
2–3 years of experience as a Sheetfed Operator II preferred.
Experience with Heidelberg presses preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Review job specifications and work orders to determine appropriate press setup and materials.
Perform all make‑ready tasks, including pulling, hanging, and verifying approved plates; inspecting plates for defects; preparing blankets; adjusting press tension; cleaning ink rollers; and installing plates.
Load and regulate ink colors, fill reservoirs, and adjust ink volume to meet print specifications.
Load and verify correct paper stock and ensure proper setup of take‑off and delivery areas.
Verify image positioning and quality against approved samples and proofs.
Make color corrections and press adjustments prior to and during production to maintain quality standards.
Start, run, monitor, and control press operations, including feeding and printing processes.
Produce and evaluate startup samples, inspecting for defects such as blemishes, scratches, rub marks, readability issues, and barcode accuracy.
Inspect printed sheets throughout the run (minimum one sheet per 1,000 impressions) to ensure conformance with job requirements.
Document and record all required production information; report discrepancies and follow direction as needed.
Identify, tag, and stage defective or non‑conforming materials using established color‑coding procedures.
Stage finished goods on pallets with job documentation properly placed and completed.
Complete all paperwork accurately and place required materials in the job jacket.
Clear and isolate finished goods, make‑ready materials, and waste according to procedures.
Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance as scheduled.
Record required data on machine boards and production systems.
Assist and back up other Press Operators and Press Assistants as needed.
May operate and oversee more than one press at a time.
Mentor and train team members; promote teamwork and cross‑training on assigned equipment.
Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and quality requirements.
Comply with all food safety and quality policies and report concerns to site leadership.
Perform additional duties as assigned.