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Plate Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Print Plate Technician

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$30.33/hr

General Information Job ID ATR65390 Posting Job Title Print Plate Technician Locations WI Pleasant Prairie Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 06-Aug-2026 Relocation Support No Description ...

Olberding Brand Family

Metal Plate Technician

Tampa, FL · On-site

Metal Plate Technician Founded in 1919 as Phototype and recently rebranded as the Olberding Brand Family, we are a family company focused on delivering the highest quality and client service in the ...

CCL Label, Inc.

Plate Technician

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Job Overview We are currently seeking a Plate Technician to join our 2nd shift team. In this role, you will provide support to the presses, preparing and staging required plates and screens for each ...

Neumo

License Plate Technician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

Technicians will also install, test and troubleshoot various hardware such as license plate/registration printers, blanking lines and mail inserts. Technicians will be required to create detailed ...

Neumo

License Plate Technician (On-Site)

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

The License Plate Technician is a hands-on technical role responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of all hardware used in license plate and vehicle registration ...

KDV LABEL

Plate Mounter - 2nd Shift!

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Perform routine operations related to Plate Mounting -including but not limited to lifting print ... Must have the ability to understand direction from group leaders and other technician level ...

KDV LABEL

Plate Mounter - 2nd Shift!

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Perform routine operations related to Plate Mounting -including but not limited to lifting print ... Must have the ability to understand direction from group leaders and other technician level ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Mounter - 2nd shift

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Technician - Plate Mounter Location: Lenexa, KS Shift: 2nd shift Schedule: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Monday-Friday About the Opportunity We are seeking a detail-oriented and quality-focused Plate Mounter ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Mounter - 2nd shift

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Technician - Plate Mounter Location: Lenexa, KS Shift: 2nd shift Schedule: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Monday-Friday About the Opportunity We are seeking a detail-oriented and quality-focused Plate Mounter ...

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How much do plate technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for plate technician in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plate technician?

Plate Technicians are skilled workers who prepare and maintain printing plates used in various printing processes, such as offset or flexographic printing. They are responsible for producing high-quality printing plates by operating specialized equipment, inspecting plates for defects, and ensuring they meet precise specifications. Plate Technicians also handle the maintenance and cleaning of plate-making machinery, troubleshoot technical issues, and work closely with press operators to ensure smooth production. Their role is crucial in achieving consistent and accurate print results in the printing industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a plate technician?

To thrive as a Plate Technician, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plate-making equipment, imaging software, and quality control systems is essential for this role. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Plate Technicians excel in a production environment. These skills ensure the accurate preparation of printing plates, minimize errors, and support efficient workflow in print manufacturing.

What challenges do plate technicians face when preparing printing plates?

Plate Technicians often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, maintaining precise quality standards, and adapting to frequent changes in job specifications. Managing multiple print jobs simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective communication with press operators and prepress teams is essential to ensure plates are correctly prepared and any issues are quickly resolved. Staying current with technological advancements in plate-making equipment can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors.

What is the difference between Plate Technician vs Welder?

AspectPlate TechnicianWelder
CertificationsTypically requires certifications like AWS or NCCERRequires welding certifications such as AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in fabrication shops, construction sites, or shipyardsWorks in manufacturing, construction, or repair settings
Job FocusFocuses on cutting, shaping, and installing metal platesFocuses on joining metals through welding processes
Tools & EquipmentUses plasma cutters, grinders, measuring toolsUses welding machines, torches, safety gear

While both roles involve working with metal and require similar certifications, a Plate Technician primarily handles cutting, shaping, and installing metal plates, whereas a Welder specializes in joining metals through welding techniques. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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What job categories do people searching Plate Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Plate Technician jobs are:

Plate Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plate Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,888 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Print Plate Technician

Smurfit Westrock

Pleasant Prairie, WI • On-site

$30.33/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Smurfit Westrock rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 278 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR65390
Posting Job Title
Print Plate Technician
Locations
WI Pleasant Prairie
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
06-Aug-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Job Summary
The Print Plate Technician is responsible for the management, preparation, maintenance, storage, repair, and installation of printing plates used in corrugated packaging production. This role ensures print plates meet quality standards, are available for scheduled production runs, and are maintained to maximize print quality and operational efficiency. The Print Plate Technician works closely with Production, Customer Service, Pre-Press, Procurement, and Packaging Design teams to support customer requirements and manufacturing schedules.
Pay Rate: $30.33 and hour plus shift Differential.
Must be available for 3rd shift
Major Job Responsibilities
Business Excellence
  • Receive, inspect, catalog, and store new and existing print plates.
  • Maintain accurate print plate inventory and tracking records.
  • Prepare printing plates and dies for scheduled production runs according to production schedules.
  • Install, remove, and verify print plate and die setup on printing equipment.
  • Inspect print plates and dies for wear, damage, distortion, and print quality issues.
  • Clean, repair, and maintain printing plates to extend useful life and reduce replacement costs.
  • Coordinate replacement or modification requests with external print plate and die vendors.
  • Verify artwork revisions and ensure correct versions are available for production.
  • Maintain accurate records of print plate and die location, usage history, and condition.
  • Perform quality checks to ensure print plates and dies meet customer specifications and internal standards.
  • Support new product launches, artwork changes, and customer revisions.
  • Work closely with Production personnel to troubleshoot print quality issues related to plates or dies.
  • Follow established procedures for handling, shipping, and receiving print plates.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, environmental, and company policies.

Critical Skills / Capabilities
Technical Skills
  • Knowledge of flexographic printing processes preferred.
  • Understanding of corrugated packaging manufacturing processes preferred.
  • Ability to read production specifications, artwork files, and manufacturing documents.
  • Experience with inventory management systems and databases.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with tooling and printing equipment.

Core Competencies
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Organizational and inventory control skills.
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
  • Effective verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple deadlines.
  • Commitment to safety and quality.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.

Physical Requirements
To perform the duties of this position, the employee must be able to:
  • Frequently lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Frequently stand and walk throughout the shift.
  • Frequently reach, grasp, and manipulate print plates and related tooling.
  • Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, and climb.
  • Use hands and fingers continuously for handling tooling, equipment, and computer systems.
  • Visually inspect print plates for defects and quality issues.

Work Environment
  • Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment.
  • Regular exposure to noise, dust, ink, adhesives, and production equipment.
  • Occasional work in warehouse and storage areas.
  • May require overtime, weekends, and shift flexibility based on business needs.

Experience
Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Minimum 1 year of manufacturing, printing, pre-press, tooling, or related production experience.

Preferred:
  • Experience in corrugated packaging or flexographic printing.
  • Experience managing tooling or print plate inventories.
  • Knowledge of artwork management and print plate fabrication processes.

Success Measures
  • Print plate availability for scheduled production.
  • Print quality performance and reduction of print-related defects.
  • Inventory accuracy.
  • On-time support of production schedules.
  • Reduction in tooling replacement costs through proper maintenance.
  • Compliance with safety and quality standards.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

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