Heat Press Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Dye Sublimation Press Operator ensures efficient production and quality output that meets customer specifications. This role involves operating sublimation presses to produce high-quality customized products, including setting up equipment, monitoring the sublimation process, and verifying that finished products meet established quality standards. Additionally, the operator will train and develop new department staff, coordinate production workflows with prepress and post press teams, and maintain strict compliance with all company safety and environmental policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate EFI FabriVu dye sublimation press to produce prints and perform routine maintenance
• Operate Kleverick heat press to sublimate prints and perform routine maintenance
• Operate Helios laser cutter to cut sublimated prints and perform routine maintenance
• Set up and operate sublimation equipment according to standard operating procedures
• Adjust press settings, including temperature and time, to achieve desired results and prevent bleeding and ghosting
• Load and unload substrates (up to 50 lbs of unbacked polyester fabric) onto the press
• Monitor the sublimation process to ensure optimal quality and efficiency
• Identify and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the sublimation process
• Implement corrective actions to maintain quality standards
• Inspect finished products for defects, color accuracy, bleeding, ghosting, and overall appearance
• Ensure all output meets established quality specifications
• Organize and maintain a clean and organized workspace
• Properly dispose of waste materials in accordance with environmental regulations
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations, including proper handling of chemicals and equipment
• Report any safety hazards or equipment malfunctions to supervisors immediately
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In keeping with Mittera's philosophy that each individual should be encouraged to reach his or her full potential, and in compliance with the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations or modifications will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This is a second shift position and hours may vary depending on departmental staffing needs.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 5 - 10+ years of work experience 
• Thorough knowledge of press operations and functions
• Mechanical ability 
• Must be organized and have the ability to plan, prioritize and follow through on projects with minimal supervision
• Must have ability to communicate effectively with all levels in the organization and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Understands basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurements and critical thinking, to solve practical problems
• Must have the ability to work effectively in stressful situations and meet stringent deadlines
• Must have basic computer skills with ability to use Microsoft programs and production related software
• Must be self-motivated, reliable, and quality, safety oriented

Physical Requirements

• Requires use of proper body mechanics with pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, squatting, kneeling and bending
• Pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination
• Requires near visual acuity
• Requires working around and operating departmental equipment
• Must be able to access and navigate each department in the facility
• Requires the ability to function in a professional manner under stressful circumstances

Work Environment

This position requires some work in an office environment and some work in a production environment. The office environment has a low noise level with ambient temperatures controlled by heating and air conditioning and PPE is not required. The production environment has a loud noise level may require hearing protection, ambient temperatures are warmer in the summer and colder in the winter, and may have exposure to vapors, chemicals, dust, and odors. Other PPE may be required related to specific tasks. 

Mittera is a leading-edge company that provides commercial and digital printing, finishing, graphic design, data analytics, direct mail processing, and fulfillment services. Mittera's full-service approach connects data-driven revelations, bar-raising creative, and expertly printed materials to give our customers' brand recognition it deserves. Competitive compensation and robust benefits plans are offered. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and AD&D Policies
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• 401K with Company Match
• Paid Time Off 
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Location specific benefits should go here!

Mittera is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.