Press Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as they perform specific job functions. These include:

• Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
• Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
• Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering an environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
• Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

The First Press Operator is responsible for the safe set up and operation of the conventional, sheet-feed printing press. Provides direction to print crew and ensures optimum print quality and production efficiencies are achieved at a consistent rate of speed in accordance with machine standards and customer specifications.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates with operators and/or Lead from previous shift to assess status of production run and including critical information or obstacles; reviews production schedule of upcoming jobs for the current shift.
• Thoroughly reviews job ticket instructions to determine printing specifications, machine set up procedures, and supplies needed; follows instructions issued advising the Supervisor or Lead of any incorrect or non-recorded information necessary for proper set up and operation.
• Sets up and safely starts machine in an efficient manner with minimal downtime; adjusts controls as needed to achieve optimum print quality at target run speeds; communicates with 2nd Press Operator throughout the production run to monitor and ensure efficiencies and quality standards are met; provides oversight and direction to 2nd Press Operator.
• Actively utilizes the instruments and technology provided, including densitometers and color management or color control technology, to consistently monitor and adjust print settings and conditions to maintain color consistency and quality; performs adjustments necessary to achieve ink and water balance, including LED links when applicable, to hold consistent color that aligns with customer approved proofs and customer standards.
• Consistently performs all quality checks before, during and after the production run; obtains all required approvals in accordance with SCT Quality standards and procedures to verify and ensure accuracy, clarity and quality of print including correct viscosity, color, shading, contrast, straining and ink usage.
• Documents and reports all non-conforming products per SCT quality procedures; reports information to Quality Technicians and works with Supervisor and/or Lead to resolve.
• Accurately and completely records information required after each job on production reports and/or in computer; maintains accurate logs of productivity, maintenance, and downtime.
• Assists with training and coaching new Press Operators with learning required job responsibilities, as well as safety and quality procedures, necessary to perform the job; actively assists with training 2nd Press Operators and/or Print Apprentice to learn the duties and skills necessary to perform the responsibilities of a First Press Operator.
• Actively seeks and adopts new updates and improvements to processes, new procedures, and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation; participates on Continuous Improvement project teams as requested to assist with identifying and implementing improvements in the department.
• Participates during press checks as a representative of SCT with the customer to answer questions and take steps necessary to ensure customer specifications are satisfied.
• Consistently maintains a clean work environment in accordance with Food Safety and 5S program to include the machine, desks, floors, and overall work area; ensures compliance with GMP and Food Safety requirements at all times.
• Communicates effectively with other team members throughout the shift and at shift change to share critical information necessary to perform the job safely and efficiently; collaborates regularly with Quality Technicians/Supervisor to obtain necessary approvals and to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Operates press with the skill necessary to produce quality product safely and successfully in a manner that keeps down time and waste to a minimum; utilizes machine downtime in a resourceful manner including training or assisting others, clean up, projects, or performing other tasks necessary within the department.
• Consistently follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines; uses situational awareness and actively looks for weak signals to identify unsafe behaviors and conditions; consistently wears appropriate PPE for the task at hand and within the assigned area.
• Attends training classes as assigned.
• Assists other team members with duties in other areas or departments as requested.

AUTHORITY: Must have the ability to lead a crew that has been placed with them to execute the demands of the printing operation efficiently and to respond to oral instructions from the supervisor and written instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or (GED); requires a minimum of 5 years experience operating a large format, sheet-fed conventional press; experience in the folding carton industry required; experience with LED inks is preferred; must have basic computer skills with the ability to effectively utilize software and other technology; requires mechanical abilities and skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have the ability to read and understand documents, letters, etc. and write legibly in English. Must be able to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide both fractions and decimals, solve equations, read a tape measure, and have an understanding of both standard and metric measuring systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, regularly required to walk, stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with arms and hands. Frequently is required to climb, balance, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequently lifts/moves 25 to 75 pounds. Must be able to perform these functions for a minimum of 8 hours straight (with a 30-minute meal break any other applicable breaks during the shift) on a regular basis. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team member successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, but the essential functions cannot be eliminated or performed by others.

Regular attendance and reporting for work on time are necessary requirements as is availability for overtime work if necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exposure to a dusty atmosphere with loud noise, which will require both eye and ear protection. Moving mechanical parts will also be exposed; safety guards have been put in place for the safety of all Team members but during set up, the machine must be broken down and reassembled to complete the next job. Questions regarding such operation should be directed to your supervisor as they arise. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those a Team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, but the essential functions cannot be eliminated or performed by others.