Operator Helper Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary: The Flexo Print Helper is responsible for assisting Flexographic Press Operators with the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of flexographic printing equipment. This position supports the Press Operator in producing printed materials that meet established customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.

The Flexo Print Helper must adhere to all company policies and always represent the organization in a professional and ethical manner. This position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to keep management informed of matters affecting production, quality, equipment, repairs, materials, and/or safety. The Flexo Print Helper must be willing to learn all aspects of flexographic printing operations and be cross-trained on applicable equipment and processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Duties/Responsibilities:

Read and understand job tickets, work orders, production instructions, specifications, and job-related documentation.

Review job requirements with the Flexo Press Operator prior to beginning production.

Assist with the setup, start-up, operation, and shutdown of flexographic printing equipment.

Stage all materials and supplies required for upcoming jobs, including paper, stock, ink, printing plates, dies, and other necessary materials.

Verify that the correct materials, inks, plates, dies, and supplies are being used according to job specifications.

Assist with loading and unloading rolls and other materials used during the printing process.

Assist with mounting and removing flexographic printing plates as directed by the Press Operator.

Assist with installing, removing, cleaning, and properly storing anilox rolls, print cylinders, plates, dies, and other press components.

Assist with ink preparation, ink changes, and maintaining appropriate ink levels during production.

Assist with webbing material through the press and preparing the equipment for production.

Assist the Press Operator with job setup and changeovers to minimize downtime between production runs.

Monitor press operation and immediately communicate equipment, material, or quality concerns to the Press Operator.

Perform ongoing quality checks of printed materials to ensure the finished product meets job specifications.

Inspect printed materials for proper registration, color, print clarity, position, alignment, defects, and other established quality requirements.

Identify printing defects such as smearing, streaking, missing print, incorrect registration, color variation, or other quality concerns.

Immediately notify the Press Operator or supervisor when quality issues are identified.

Pull samples and assist with completing required quality checks and documentation.

Ensure work is consistently produced according to established quality standards and prevent defective products from being passed to internal or external customers.

Assist with removing finished product from the press and properly stack, package, label, or stage materials for the next operation.

Properly identify and separate acceptable product, waste, and defective materials.

Assist in controlling waste and spoilage by monitoring materials and following established production procedures.

Assist with maintaining accurate counts of materials, finished products, and waste as required.

Complete production paperwork, checklists, quality documentation, and other required records accurately and timely.

Assist with troubleshooting equipment problems and making minor adjustments as directed and within the employee's level of training.

Immediately notify the Press Operator, supervisor, or manager of equipment failures or maintenance concerns.

Assist with routine cleaning and preventive maintenance of flexographic press equipment.

Clean printing plates, ink pans, doctor blades, anilox rolls, press components, and work areas according to established procedures.

Properly handle, clean, and store printing plates, dies, cylinders, and other reusable materials to prevent damage.

Maintain adequate supplies at the press and notify the supervisor or manager when materials or supplies need to be replenished or ordered.

Assist in improving production efficiency, reducing downtime, minimizing waste, and meeting established production standards.

Follow all established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, machine guarding, chemical handling, and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Follow Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements and established procedures when working with inks, solvents, cleaners, and other chemicals.

Never remove, bypass, or disable machine guards or other safety devices.

Learn to safely operate pallet jacks and other approved material-handling equipment as required.

Operate material-handling equipment only after receiving appropriate training and authorization.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment and follow established Lean and housekeeping principles.

Keep press areas, aisles, walkways, and emergency exits free from materials and potential hazards.

Communicate effectively with Press Operators, supervisors, maintenance personnel, Quality, and other departments regarding production requirements or concerns.

Participate in training and cross-training opportunities to develop knowledge of flexographic printing equipment, processes, and quality standards.

Assist in training new and temporary employees when directed.

Must be professional in communication, conduct, and actions.

Consistent and reliable attendance is mandatory.

All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a production team.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to read and understand job tickets, production instructions, and basic job specifications.

Ability to recognize print defects and communicate quality concerns promptly.

Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn flexographic printing equipment and processes.

Basic computer skills.

Ability to perform basic math and measurements as required for production.

Ability to distinguish colors and identify variations in print quality.

Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

Ability to maintain accuracy while meeting established production expectations.

Ability to work safely around moving machinery and production equipment.

Willingness to learn press setup, plate mounting, ink handling, quality control, troubleshooting, and routine equipment maintenance.

Ability to work independently when appropriate while following the direction of the Flexo Press Operator or supervisor.

Ability to work overtime, weekends, and varying schedules as required by production needs.

Education and Experience:

G.E.D. or High School Diploma preferred.

Previous printing, manufacturing, production, or machine operation experience preferred.

Previous flexographic printing experience preferred but not required.

On-the-job training will be provided for applicable equipment, processes, and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to consistently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

Regularly required to bend, stoop, squat, reach, push, pull, twist, and move throughout the production facility.

Must be able to use both hands and arms repetitively for gripping, grasping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling materials.

Must be able to safely work around moving machinery, printing equipment, rolls of material, and other production equipment.

Must be able to operate manual equipment and material-handling equipment after appropriate training.

Must be able to perform repetitive movements for extended periods.

Must have sufficient visual ability to inspect printed materials for registration, color, alignment, and print quality.

Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment where noise levels may require hearing protection.

Must be able to work around inks, cleaning solutions, and other materials commonly used in flexographic printing while following established safety requirements.