Machine Operator Associate Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Press Operator is the lead technician responsible for the safe, efficient operation of a flexographic printing press. This role oversees all aspects of the printing process, converting paperboard rolls into work-in-process (WIP) material while meeting customer specifications, quality standards, and production targets.

The Press Operator is accountable for print quality, machine performance, troubleshooting, waste reduction, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This position requires extensive hands-on experience in flexographic printing, color management, press setup, and mechanical troubleshooting. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to diagnose equipment issues, optimize press performance, and consistently produce high-quality product in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate and oversee production on flexographic printing presses.
• Set up, adjust, and maintain press equipment to achieve optimal print quality and production efficiency.
• Troubleshoot print defects, registration issues, color variation, web handling problems, and mechanical equipment failures.
• Analyze machine performance and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime, waste, and quality defects.
• Verify materials, inks, plates, and job specifications before production begins.
• Pull and inspect samples throughout production to ensure compliance with customer and quality requirements.
• Monitor ink, registration, color consistency, and print quality standards.
• Install and change printing plates, sleeves, aniloxes, and related press components.
• Input and maintain job settings/recipes within press control systems.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on press equipment.
• Lead and support Assistant Operators and Production Associates.
• Maintain accurate production documentation and reporting.
• Follow all safety, GMP, SQF, quality, and operational procedures.
• Place suspect product on hold and help determine containment and clean point, and escalate quality concerns as required.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, waste reduction, and OEE improvement.
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the Production Supervisor.

Skills and Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of flexographic printing processes and press operation.
• Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to identify and correct print quality defects, registration issues, color variation, web handling problems, and equipment malfunctions.
• Strong understanding of printing plates, inks, anilox rolls, doctor blades, web handling systems, and color management.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment issues independently.
• Ability to read and interpret job specifications and production documentation.
• Ability to prioritize production demands while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Effective leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors and detect subtle color variations.
• Commitment to safety, quality, GMP, SQF, and operational excellence.

**Education and/or Experience Requirements (Qualifications)

**

Required:

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience operating flexographic printing presses in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise troubleshooting print quality issues, mechanical equipment failures, and process-related production problems.

Preferred

• Experience in folding carton, paperboard, packaging, or converting operations.
• Completion of internal Production Associate and Assistant Operator training programs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: (if applicable):

• Ability to safely perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable attendance and work scheduled shifts.
• Stand and walk on concrete floors for 12-hour shifts.
• Frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and climb ladders or elevated platforms during machine setup, operation, and maintenance.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, pull, stack, and move materials weighing up to 40 pounds, including finished cartons, pallets, and production materials.
• Safely load, move, and position large paperboard rolls using approved material handling equipment, including roll movers.
• Perform repetitive tasks including web splicing, press setup, cleaning, plate changes, quality inspections, and stacking finished cartons.
• Use hand tools, cutting tools, and production equipment safely and effectively.
• Visually distinguish colors and detect variations in print quality, registration, and ink density.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with moving machinery, paper dust, inks, cleaning chemicals, elevated noise levels, and varying temperatures.
• Perform routine housekeeping duties, including sweeping, mopping, and maintaining a clean work area.
• The team member must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation