Flexographic Printer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

The Griff Network has provided innovative material solutions for more than forty years. We serve industries including food, medical, automotive, solar, credit card, graphic and point of purchase, building and construction, tape and label, and other specialized markets.

Our manufacturing capabilities include extrusion, lamination, metallization, coating, printing, packaging, and converting. The Griff Network is committed to delivering high quality products, responsive service, and innovative material solutions that meet evolving customer needs.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and mechanically inclined Flexographic Printer Operator to join our GAL, Griff Applied Laminates division.

Previous hands-on experience independently setting up and operating a flexographic printing press is required. Candidates must have experience operating a Flexographic Printing Press or comparable wide web, continuous web, or roll-to-roll flexographic printing equipment.

This is not an entry-level machine operator position.

The Flexographic Printer Operator will set up, operate, monitor, adjust, clean, and complete changeovers on the printing press to produce high quality printed materials that meet customer specifications and production requirements.

The Operator will manage press settings, web tension, registration, impression, ink viscosity, color consistency, press speed, materials, and print quality throughout each production run. Responsibilities also include reviewing work orders, preparing inks and printing components, completing roll and job changeovers, identifying and correcting print defects, documenting production results, and directing the daily activities of the Printer Operator Helper.

The successful candidate must be able to independently operate the press, troubleshoot routine printing and mechanical concerns, maintain consistent print quality, and safely support production in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down the flexographic printing press or comparable wide web flexographic printing equipment.
• Review work orders, production specifications, artwork requirements, color standards, and customer instructions before beginning each job.
• Verify that the correct substrate, ink, printing plates, cylinders, anilox rolls, tooling, cores, labels, and other production materials are available before starting the press.
• Thread continuous web materials through the printing press and establish the correct web path, tension, alignment, and operating conditions.
• Adjust press speed, web tension, print registration, impression, alignment, ink flow, drying conditions, and other operating controls to maintain consistent production.
• Install and remove printing plates, cylinders, anilox rolls, doctor blade components, ink chambers, and other press components as required.
• Prepare and mix inks according to job specifications and approved procedures.
• Perform viscosity checks and make ink adjustments throughout the production run to maintain color consistency and print quality.
• Monitor color, registration, clarity, adhesion, print density, alignment, and overall appearance throughout each production run.
• Identify and correct printing defects such as misregistration, color variation, dirty print, streaking, excessive impression, ink buildup, poor coverage, web wrinkles, and material tracking concerns.
• Complete roll changes and job changeovers, including removing materials, changing inks and press components, cleaning equipment, and preparing the press for the next production order.
• Troubleshoot routine printing, mechanical, ink, material, registration, and quality concerns while minimizing scrap, downtime, and production interruptions.
• Inspect completed printed materials to confirm compliance with work orders, approved samples, quality standards, and customer specifications.
• Accurately complete production records, quality checks, material usage records, scrap reports, downtime records, and job completion documentation.
• Direct and support the Printer Operator Helper with material preparation, press setup, ink handling, cleaning, roll changes, and job changeovers.
• Communicate mechanical, electrical, material, or quality concerns to Production, Quality, or Maintenance personnel when additional assistance is required.
• Maintain printing equipment, tools, ink areas, and surrounding production areas in a clean and organized condition.
• Follow all company safety, quality, environmental, production, and equipment operating procedures.

Qualifications:

• Previous hands-on experience independently setting up and operating a flexographic printing press is required.
• Experience operating a Shantou Qihang Precision Machinery QH-RS3500 flexographic printing press or comparable wide web, continuous web, or roll to roll flexographic printing equipment is required.
• Candidates must have experience completing press setup, web threading, registration adjustments, ink preparation, viscosity checks, quality inspections, roll changes, cleaning, and job changeovers.
• Previous experience working with printing inks, solvents, color standards, viscosity controls, anilox rolls, printing plates, cylinders, doctor blades, and registration systems is required.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and correct common flexographic printing defects and operating concerns is required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of press settings, operating controls, web handling, and production processes.
• Ability to independently follow work orders, job specifications, standard operating procedures, and quality requirements.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to print quality, accuracy, and waste reduction.
• Ability to safely handle inks, solvents, printing components, rolls, tools, and production materials.
• Previous experience directing, training, or supporting a Printer Operator Helper or Press Assistant is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Good organizational, communication, documentation, and basic math skills.
• Dependable attendance and the ability to work safely and effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Forklift or powered industrial truck experience.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, and 401(k) benefits.
• Hands-on training and cross-training opportunities within the GAL division.
• Opportunities to expand knowledge of printing, laminating, coating, extrusion, and converting operations.
• A defined career path with opportunities to advance into Operator Lead, Supervisor, and other production leadership positions.
• Opportunities to grow with the company as new skills, responsibilities, and leadership capabilities are developed.
• A supportive team environment within a stable, family-owned manufacturing company.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle tools and materials, reach, bend, stoop, and communicate effectively with team members.

The employee must be able to handle printing components, assist with roll and press setup, move production materials, and safely work around operating printing equipment.

The position requires the ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and move materials weighing up to 100 pounds with or without assistance.

The employee must be able to work for extended periods in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while following all safety requirements and wearing required personal protective equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Griff Network is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.