Entry Level Slitting Machine Operator Jobs in Missouri

Job Title: Press Operator - $20-$23/hr

Job Description

The Press Operator sets up, operates, monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains printing presses to produce high-quality printed packaging, films, labels, cartons, and related products. This role ensures that all printed materials meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, production schedules, and safety requirements while maximizing equipment efficiency and minimizing downtime.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor flexographic printing presses according to production specifications and work orders.
• Install and remove printing plates, cylinders, sleeves, anilox rolls, and dies as required for each production run.
• Prepare, mix, change, and match inks to achieve accurate color standards and consistent print quality.
• Print on a variety of substrates and perform both surface and reverse printing applications.
• Monitor print quality throughout production and adjust registration, color accuracy, ink density, and press settings to maintain optimal performance.
• Perform quality inspections before and during production to verify compliance with customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Conduct quality inspection of finished products during and after press runs to identify and correct defects.
• Load and unload materials using designated equipment and proper handling procedures.
• Use a forklift to move materials as needed (no prior forklift experience required; training provided).
• Troubleshoot print defects, equipment issues, and process variations to reduce waste and minimize downtime.
• Assist maintenance personnel and technical teams with equipment troubleshooting and process improvements.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and housekeeping on press equipment and in work areas.
• Accurately complete production, quality, maintenance, and inventory documentation using electronic and/or paper-based systems.
• Use human-machine interfaces (HMI) and computer systems to run the press, monitor operations, and enter production data.
• Review batch records and related documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with production requirements.
• Set up presses and stamping equipment to apply color and designs on flexible packaging commonly used for products such as food items and shipping materials.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail to correctly set up stamps, identify color and printing issues, and ensure consistent, high-quality output.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating flexographic printing presses is preferred but not required.
  • The job can be learned but any sort of printing press or flexographic press experience could qualify you for higher pay!
• Working knowledge of flexographic printing processes, color management, ink systems, and quality control practices.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, production schedules, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Basic computer skills for production reporting, machine operation, and data entry.
• Basic math and measurement skills to support accurate setup and quality checks.
• Ability to distinguish colors and evaluate color consistency throughout production.
• Extremely detail-oriented, with the ability to identify color and printing issues and ensure precise setup.
• Comfort using a computer and HMI interfaces to run the machine and enter data.
• Ability to perform quality inspections during and after production runs.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in machine operation, printing press operation, or related manufacturing roles is ideal but not required.
• Forklift experience is helpful but not required; training can be provided.
• Experience in quality control, quality assurance, or quality inspection is beneficial.
• Experience with batch record review and documentation is an asset.
• Familiarity with data entry and computer-based production systems is advantageous.
• Strong aptitude for learning complex machinery and production processes.
• Open to entry-level candidates who demonstrate good mechanical and technical aptitude.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable operation that invests in thorough training and long-term employee development. New hires receive two weeks of classroom and on-the-floor training, followed by approximately eight weeks of on-the-job shadowing with an experienced operator, providing a clear path to building skills and confidence. The organization is known for taking care of its people, with current flexographic operators enjoying strong earning potential and long tenure. The team welcomes entry-level candidates who show good aptitude, offering opportunities to grow into a specialized trade within a clean, modern production environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, air-conditioned production facility with flexographic printing presses and related equipment. While the machines generate some heat, the overall environment remains comfortable and well-maintained. Operators work with modern press controls, HMI interfaces, and computer systems for machine operation and data entry. Materials are moved using forklifts and other designated equipment, with training available as needed. The facility emphasizes safety, organization, and good housekeeping practices, creating a professional and efficient work setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Joseph, MO.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Joseph,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.