Paid Ink Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Picture this: you’ve verified the job specs, plates are hung true, the feeder is topped off, and color is dialed in. The press hums at speed because you’re ahead of it—tracking ink usage, tagging loads accurately, and keeping changeovers smooth. That’s the craft you’ll practice here.

• Pay: Hourly, commensurate with experience (career path with pay ranges below)
• Training: All new hires train 60–90 days on 1st shift
• Shifts:
  • 1st: 6:30am – 3:00pm
  • 2nd: 3:00pm – 11:30pm (premium)
  • 3rd: 11:00pm – 6:30am (premium)

• Validate job tickets and any special instructions so correct inks, stock, and coatings are staged
• Mount plates quickly and accurately; assist with make-ready to standard
• Track and manage ink/coating fountain levels and log ink consumption
• Keep the feeder continuously supplied to prevent shutdowns
• Clear loads from delivery and process load tags without error
• Mark printed loads precisely, including locations of pulled samples and any nonconforming product
• Remove plates and handle disposal per procedure

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2–3 years of mechanical background
• Stable employment record
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Analytical, detail-oriented approach
• Drive to improve processes and outcomes

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

• Performance bonus opportunities
• Quarterly appreciation days
• Annual holiday events

Wynalda Packaging builds folding carton solutions for brand leaders around the world. As a family-owned operation, we blend decades of know-how with forward-looking innovation. Our plant moves fast, adopts new tech, and invests in people who want to master advanced equipment in a collaborative, hands-on setting.

1. Feeder / Entry Operator

   Timeline: 0–6 months | Rate: $20/hour

   Focus: Reliability and attendance; material handling fundamentals; grasping press workflow.

   Core skills: Load/unload sheets; ink handling basics; assist the press team; safety procedures.

   To advance: Be consistent and coachable; show mechanical curiosity; anticipate the next press step.

2. Junior Press Assistant

   Timeline: 6–18 months | Rate: $21/hour

   Focus: Understanding press mechanics; aiding makereadies; learning job setup.

   Core skills: Assist with setups/changeovers; plate handling; guided ink adjustments; basic troubleshooting awareness.

   To advance: Show strong mechanical aptitude; take on partial setup; think ahead, not just react.

3. Senior Press Assistant

   Timeline: 12–30 months | Rate: $22–$23/hour

   Focus: Operator-in-training.

   Core skills: Handle portions of makeready independently; run under supervision; execute quality checks and adjustments; knowledge of substrates like SBS, CNK, and typical board behavior.

   To advance: Run with minimal oversight; maintain quality; stay composed under pressure.

4. Lead Operator Level 1

   Timeline: 2–3 years | Rate: $24–$25/hour

   Focus: Positive attitude; dependable attendance; engaged in training and development.

   Core skills: 2+ years’ experience; proficient machine operation; understanding of Wynalda Packaging practices and quality standards.

   To advance: Stay consistent and coachable; remain mechanically curious; anticipate next press steps; deliver quality consistently.

5. Lead Operator Level 2

   Timeline: 3–5 years | Rate: $25–$28/hour

   Focus: Positive and consistent; continue advancing your skills.

   Core skills: 3–5 years’ experience; confidently run multiple presses; make-ready efficiency aligned with department expectations; consistent quality; familiarity with Wynalda systems, technology, and software; established understanding of WP best practices and printing standards.

   To advance: Produce top-quality work; be willing to operate most (if not all) equipment—sheetfed, small and large format, cold foiler, etc.; think ahead.

6. Lead Operator Level 3

   Timeline: 5+ years | Rate: $28+/hour

   Focus: Exemplary teammate—committed, reliable, and focused on continuous improvement.

   Core skills: 5+ years’ experience; run most or all equipment (sheetfed, small and large format, cold foiler, etc.); lead in make-ready efficiency and run speeds; deliver top quality; deep knowledge of inks, coatings, substrates; proficient with WP systems, technology, and software; expert on printing best practices and industry standards; eager, effective trainer.

• Large-format graphics
• Production machine setups
• Web offset printing
• Sheetfed offset printing
• Offset lithography
• Digital printing