Stp Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Printing Press Operator (Level A) is responsible for the independent and efficient operation of high-performance flexographic presses. This role requires strong technical knowledge, adherence to safety and food-grade compliance standards, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities:

1. Machine Operation & Technical Proficiency

• Operate and configure Vistaflex and Miraflex flexographic presses with precision and autonomy.
• Ensure a deep understanding of machine dynamics, including tension, temperature, ink viscosity, airflow, and pressure, to guarantee optimal print performance.
• Use estimated setup times effectively based on job type and color count, ensuring efficient changeovers and minimizing downtime.
• Apply knowledge of both internal factors (machine components) and external factors (maintenance, supplier inputs, auxiliary systems) that affect print quality.

2. Quality Control & Systems Management

• Successfully complete print jobs at the required production speed while minimizing quality defects.
• Operate and interpret results from BST and AVT inspection systems as active tools for real-time quality control.
• Accurately manage production data and job flow using the Radius system, including correct use of codes and documentation requirements.
• Proactively report issues involving rolls, ink, press functionality, or electrical systems to supervisors or appropriate management.

3. Safety & Food Compliance

• Strictly adhere to all FSSC (Food Safety Certification Scheme) guidelines and manufacturing hygiene practices.
• Ensure proper and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), both personally and among team members:
  • Safety glasses
  • Steel-toe shoes
  • Hair net
  • Face shield (for ink room tasks)
• Promote and maintain a safe and hazard-free work area, modeling safety-first behavior.

4. Housekeeping & Waste Reduction

• Implement and maintain a routine cleaning schedule for the press and surrounding area to support food safety and operational efficiency.
• Actively work to minimize material waste and optimize the use of substrates, inks, and other consumables.

5. Professionalism & Growth

• Consistently demonstrate quality-oriented skills, a proactive attitude, and attention to detail.
• Engage in self-evaluation and continuous improvement to enhance professional performance and contribute to team success.
• Support a culture of excellence, responsibility, and technical growth across the department.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

• Ensure and oversee that your team uses all required safety equipment during their daily activities under your shift.
• Use the appropriate PPE for each activity or function that requires it.
• Understand the Jobpack as the main input for the press process and its cross-functional use in the following processes.
• Accurately understand the system operation for each press and the different indicators that can be found in the system.
• Understand how to manage variables such as tensions, air pressures, viscosity, and temperatures of each section of the printer in order to complete the job and ensure quality.
• Understand the difference and purpose of Stickyback (1320, 1520, 1720) when diagnosing and printing on detailed or flat surfaces.
• Understand how the Anilox works. Operator A must be able to associate print quality with the Anilox and discern when it needs to be changed.
• Based on the above points, Operator A must be capable of performing troubleshooting and diagnostics of the machine using examples of print errors.
• Periodically check the proper functioning of the press and the quality of the printed material.
• Identify types of print errors, have at least 3 possible causes for each, and be able to correct them in the safest and most efficient way.
• Operator A must recognize when a machine issue or print error involves one of the internal suppliers in order to request service.
• Operator A must understand the importance of properly handling machine parts such as Anilox, plates, and other functional printer components due to their fragility, impact on quality, and cost.
• Verify the following at the beginning of each job:

• Film
• Ink/Viscosity
• Wind
• Plates
• Anilox

• Properly fill out the documentation for each report:

• Digital Press Report
• Approval
• Labels

• Understand the procedure for ColorCert.
• Change blades when the print quality or footage run determines it.
• Inspect the quality of each roll using a printed sample.
• Maintain control of the press after a job is approved.
• Have the next job sequence prepared in advance and be alerted to ensure everything is ready when the current one is finished.

SECONDARY ASPECTS

• • Effectively communicate with the team about the day's activities and work sequences.
• • Be responsible, along with the team, for keeping the work area clean, stocked, and clear.
• • Clean the machine periodically.
• • Delegate tasks to the assistants related to the proper functioning of the machine and anticipation for MR.
• • Collaborate with the administrative staff:
  • Tests
  • New procedures
  • Provide information
  • Point Lessons

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
• Tolerance for working in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot, cold, noisy

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE)