Flexo Assistant Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Details
At Resource Label Group, we are a full-service manufacturer of custom label design and printing for a wide range of industries. With full-scale capabilities coast to coast and locations across North America, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge label printing with a national reach and local touch.
The Lead Flexo Press Operator is responsible for setting up and operating flexographic printing presses to produce high-quality labels and related products while also providing day-to-day leadership and technical support to Flexo Press Operators. This position serves as a resource to the production team by helping coordinate workflow, supporting training, troubleshooting press and quality issues, and ensuring established safety, quality, and production standards are followed.
The Lead Flexo Press Operator works closely with Production Leadership to support efficient department operations and help develop the skills and performance of the Flexo team.
Pay Range 26.00-35.00
Responsibilities
Set up, operate, and maintain flexographic printing presses in accordance with job specifications and production requirements.
Read and interpret job orders, specifications, work instructions, and production schedules.
Load dies into the press and install print cylinders, plates, and other required components.
Fill ink pans, screens, and pumps with prescribed inks.
Start and operate presses, adjusting speed, registration, pressure, alignment, and other settings as necessary.
Set printing impressions and ensure print cylinders are properly positioned.
Produce and review approval strips and printed samples to confirm the job meets established quality standards.
Inspect printed material for defects, including registration issues, missing impressions, ink starvation, color inconsistencies, or other quality concerns.
Mix and adjust inks to achieve and maintain required color and viscosity.
Perform routine cleaning and daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on presses and related equipment.
Troubleshoot printing, press, ink, registration, material, and quality issues and assist other operators with resolving technical problems.
Serve as a technical resource for Flexo Press Operators and assist employees with press setup, operation, troubleshooting, and proper work procedures.
Train and support new and developing operators on equipment operation, safety requirements, quality expectations, and established processes.
Help coordinate daily work assignments and workflow based on production priorities as directed by Production Leadership.
Monitor production progress and promptly communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, material shortages, downtime, or other barriers that may impact production.
Help ensure employees follow established work instructions, safety practices, quality requirements, and company procedures.
Promote safe work practices and immediately escalate identified safety concerns to management.
Support efforts to reduce waste, downtime, setup time, and quality defects.
Assist with changeovers and press setups when additional support is required to maintain production schedules.
Maintain accurate production documentation and ensure required paperwork is completed appropriately.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and support department housekeeping standards.
Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and respectful communication within the department.
Provide operational feedback to Production Leadership regarding training needs, recurring equipment issues, workflow concerns, or process improvement opportunities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Minimum of 3 years of flexographic printing press experience preferred.
Previous Lead, trainer, or demonstrated informal leadership experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of flexographic printing processes, press setup, registration, ink management, color adjustment, and troubleshooting.
Ability to read and interpret job specifications, production documentation, measurements, and work instructions.
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify print defects and make the appropriate press adjustments.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using applicable units of measure.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively train and support employees.
Ability to organize work, prioritize production needs, and communicate concerns appropriately.
Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork.
Ability to work independently while providing leadership and support to others.