Machine Operator Press Operator Jobs in Jenison, MI

**Pay: **Hourly pay based on experience (see career path at bottom)

Schedule:

We are looking to hire Press Operators on all shifts. We offer shift premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift employees. Regardless of the shift you are hired for, you will need to train for 60-90 days on 1st shift.

• 1st Shift: 6:30am - 3pm
• 2nd Shift: 3pm - 11:30pm
• 3rd Shift: 11pm - 6:30am

Responsibilities:

• Review job ticket and special instructions to verify the correct ink, stock, and coatings have been pulled.
• Hang plates correctly and efficiently.
• Assist in the make-ready process, following work instructions.
• Monitor ink and coating fountains, keeping track of quantities of ink used.
• Keep feeder full of stock to prevent any unnecessary press shutdowns.
• Remove load from delivery.
• Help mark printed loads correctly, clearly marking cavity locations of samples and bad product.
• Process load tags.
• Remove plates and properly dispose of them.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of mechanical experience
• Stable and continuous working history.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• An orientation toward process improvement.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Other Perks:

• Bonus opportunities
• Quarterly employee appreciation days
• Annual holiday celebrations

About Wynalda Packaging

Wynalda Packaging is a growing, industry-leading folding carton manufacturer serving global brands across a wide range of industries. As a family-owned company, we pride ourselves on combining decades of manufacturing expertise with a forward-thinking approach to innovation.

Our facility is fast-paced and continually evolving as we adopt new technologies, improve our processes, and invest in our people. Employees at Wynalda have the opportunity to learn new skills, work with advanced equipment, and grow their careers in a collaborative, hands-on manufacturing environment.

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Career Path: Press Assistant → Lead Press Operator

1. Feeder / Entry Operator

Timeline: 0–6 months

Pay: $20/hour

Focus:

• Reliability, attendance, work ethic
• Basic material handling
• Understanding press workflow

Skills:

• Load/unload sheets
• Ink handling basics
• Assist press crew
• Safety procedures

Advancement Criteria:

• Shows consistency + coachability
• Demonstrates mechanical curiosity
• Can anticipate next steps on press

2. Junior Press Assistant

Timeline: 6–18 months

Pay: $21/hour

Focus:

• Learning press mechanics
• Supporting makereadies
• Understanding job setup

Skills:

• Assist in setups and changeovers
• Plate handling
• Ink adjustments (guided)
• Basic troubleshooting awareness

Advancement Criteria:

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Can handle partial setup responsibilities
• Starts thinking ahead, not reacting

3. Senior Press Assistant

Timeline: 12–30 months

Pay: $22-$23/hour

Focus: Becoming a true operator-in-training

Skills:

• Execute portions of makeready independently
• Run press under supervision
• Quality checks + adjustments
• Understand substrates (SBS, CNK, board behavior)

Advancement Criteria:

• Can run jobs with limited oversight
• Maintains quality standards
• Handles pressure without breakdown

4. Lead Operator Level 1

Timeline: 2 - 3 years

Pay: $24-$25/hour

Focus:

• Positive attitude
• Consistent attendance
• Actively engaged in training & development

Skills:

• Experience level of 2+ years
• Ability to proficiently run a machine
• Possess an understanding of WP practices & quality standards

Advancement Criteria:

• Show consistency + coachability
• Demonstrates mechanical curiosity
• Can anticipate next steps on press
• Consistently produces quality work

5. Lead Operator Level 2

Timeline: 3 – 5 years

Pay: $25-$28/hour

Focus:

• Maintains a positive attitude & consistent attendance
• Remains engaged in on-going training & development

Skills:

• Experience level of 3-5 years
• Able to proficiently run multiple presses
• Make ready efficiency is consistent with department expectations
• Consistently produces quality work
• Understands WP systems, technology & software
• Established understanding of WP best practices & industry standards for printing

Advancement Criteria:

• Produces top quality work
• Willingness to proficiently run most (if not all) machines/equipment (e.g. Sheet Feed, Small & Large Format, Cold Foiler, etc.)
• Thinking ahead, not reacting in the moment

6. Lead Operator Level 3

Timeline: 5+ years

Pay: $28+/hour

Focus:

• Exemplary attitude. Committed and reliable
• Dedicated to continuous improvement

Skills:

• Experience level of 5 + years
• Ability to proficiently run most (if not all) machines/equipment (e.g. Sheet Feed, Small & Large Format, Cold Foiler, etc.)
• Regularly leads department in Make Ready efficiency and Run Speeds
• Produces top quality work
• Exhibits a thorough understanding of Inks, Coatings, Substrates, etc.
• Proficient in the use of WP systems, technology & software
• Expert in best practices & industry standards for Printing
• Eager & effective trainer

You should be proficient in:

• Knowledge of Large Format Graphics
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Web Offset Printing
• Sheet Fed Offset Printing
• Offset Lithography
• Digital Printing

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Flexographic Printing Press