Substrate Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Now Hiring: Machine Operator

TK Cups - an Arch Promo Group division

Pay: $19–$21 per hour, depending on experience

As a Machine Operator, you run the continuous-roll press that turns substrate, ink, and tension into finished printed product at speed. Web work is precise: tension drift, ink imbalance, or a registration error can compound across hundreds of feet of moving substrate before anyone catches it. When it's done well, the press runs at speed and in spec for the full job, the substrate stays tracked, and you catch drift before it scraps a roll. That skill - reading the press and getting ahead of a problem - is what sets a strong operator apart.

You'll be responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of web-fed printing presses at your assigned operating company - high-speed offset, flexographic, or other web-fed equipment depending on the site - running substrates such as paper, plastic, foil, or laminated materials. Depending on location, the work spans substrate loading, web threading, tension control, ink and coating prep, registration, in-run quality monitoring, downstream packing, and routine preventive maintenance on your press.

• Set up and operate your assigned web press to job specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Load substrate, position rolls, thread the web through the press, and set tension across the press path.
• Mix and prepare inks, coatings, and supporting materials for each job.
• Dial in registration, color targets, and impression to bring the press into spec before the run.
• Monitor the press during production - adjusting tension, ink, registration, and speed to hold quality and throughput.
• Inspect printed material in process for defects and correct within your authority; stop the press and escalate when warranted.
• Handle downstream product where required, packing finished output such as cup boxes, cartons, or rolls.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance: cleaning, lubrication, replacing worn parts, and minor adjustments.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues, make within-scope corrections, and escalate complex problems to your supervisor or maintenance.
• Keep accurate records of setups, production counts, scrap, downtime, and quality events in our production systems.
• Coordinate with adjacent operators and supervisors to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
• Follow all safety policies, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and safe operation of presses and equipment.
• Keep a clean, organized work area for safe, efficient changeovers.
• Cross-train on related equipment and adjacent operations to provide coverage when needed.

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to read and interpret job tickets, customer specifications, and basic technical drawings.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small parts and adjusting press settings.
• Visual acuity and color perception to inspect printed materials for quality.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• A shared commitment to our North Star - enabling people to be their best every day.
• Integrity to do the right thing even when the task is tough or the situation is unclear.
• Clear, respectful communication - you listen first, ask thoughtful questions, and respond with patience.
• A one-team, customer-first mindset and a willingness to support your coworkers.

• Prior web press, high-speed offset, flexographic, or related production experience.
• Familiarity with web-fed press operation, substrate handling, tension control, and registration setup.
• Working knowledge of the inks, coatings, and substrates used on web-fed presses.
• Vocational, technical, or trade-school coursework in printing technology or web operations.
• Forklift, OSHA, or press-specific manufacturer certifications (some may be required for certain presses).

This is a full-time, non-exempt, on-floor role in the pressroom at your assigned Confluent Holdings operating company. You'll work a standard production schedule, with overtime, weekends, and extended hours during peak production periods. No travel is required.

The role is physically active. You should be able to:

• Stand on concrete (with rubber matting where provided) for the full shift.
• Lift up to 50 lbs - and more with assistance - including substrate rolls and finished material.
• Bend and stoop to reach press components and substrate paths, and perform repetitive motions.
• Hear work instructions clearly over press noise and distinguish colors with precision.

You'll work around web presses, rollers, tensioners, and conveyors, with exposure to inks, coatings, solvents, and substrate dust typical of web operations. Required PPE includes safety glasses, closed-toe footwear, and hearing protection when the press is running, plus gloves, apron, dust mask, and additional PPE as posted.

The specific press type, substrates, inks, and run profile vary by site and press assignment. At our TK Cups operation, for example, this role is known as the High Speed Offset Cup Press Operator (HSOS) and includes cup-handling and packing duties.

Confluent Holdings is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities; if you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources