Press Operator

Job Title: Press Operator - 1st or 2nd - 20/hr

Job Description

This entry-level press operator role focuses on producing high-quality printed products while learning the full range of printing operations. You will support press operations, develop technical and mechanical skills, and grow into more advanced positions by mastering printing techniques, equipment capabilities, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate printing equipment to produce quality products while maintaining high quality standards, minimal scrap, and acceptable productivity levels.
• Assist operators in all phases of production and become familiar with all operator routines and procedures.
• Acquire practical knowledge of printing techniques, machine capabilities, and paper qualities through hands-on experience.
• Learn to troubleshoot issues on printing equipment and support timely resolution of production problems.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and daily cleaning on equipment according to established schedules.
• Monitor product for signs of contamination or quality defects, segregate nonconforming product, and report issues promptly.
• Safeguard against sanitation, pest control, and contamination concerns throughout the production area.
• Ensure process integrity by identifying and reporting potential sources of contamination or any conditions that may impact performance or quality.
• Accurately record production and quality data in handwritten logs and computer systems, including spreadsheets and other software tools.
• Communicate key production, quality, and equipment issues to production leadership and relevant team members on a daily basis.
• Demonstrate strong work ethic, teamwork, and adherence to all company policies, setting a positive example for coworkers.
• Work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively with peers and leadership to meet production goals.
• Take on additional responsibilities and job challenges assigned by leadership or management as needed.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated technical and mechanical aptitude, supported by prior work history or related experience.
• Ability to read a tape measure or ruler accurately in increments up to 1/64 of an inch.
• Ability to distinguish and match colors and successfully pass a color vision test.
• Capability to mix base color inks to create PMS colors according to specifications.
• Skill in mounting printing plates on appropriate cylinders accurately and efficiently.
• Strong focus on quality, with a commitment to maintaining product and process integrity.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting production expectations.
• Proven ability to work effectively with peers and leadership in a team-oriented environment.
• Goal-oriented mindset with willingness to accept new job challenges and responsibilities.
• Good computer skills, including the ability to accurately record data into handwritten logs and various computer programs.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel or similar spreadsheet software.
• Comfort working in a production environment that involves physical activity, machinery, and process controls.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of printing presses and print production processes.
• Experience using measurement tools and basic quality assurance practices.
• Mechanical aptitude that supports learning equipment setup, operation, and maintenance.
• Cost-conscious and quality-conscious approach to daily work and decision-making.
• Ability to function safely around moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and electrical equipment.
• Willingness to learn and follow preventive maintenance and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to adapt to structured processes and accurately follow written and verbal instructions.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a supportive culture that invests in personal and professional development through structured training and a promote-from-within philosophy. The organization values work-life balance with a Monday–Friday schedule and offers a fun, engaging atmosphere enhanced by performance incentives, attendance rewards, and safety incentives. Team members receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid holidays (including a floating holiday), and paid time off. Additional perks such as annual boot reimbursement further reflect the commitment to employee well-being and long-term growth.

Work Environment

The work environment is a clean, well-lit, climate-controlled production facility with 8-hour shifts. Typical schedules include a first shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a second shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with initial training conducted on first shift for approximately one to three months. The role involves frequent standing, walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and using push carts. You will lift up to 50–75 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly, and may exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally when moving heavy objects such as paper rolls. The position requires good manual dexterity for fingering, grasping, and handling materials, as well as talking, hearing, and repetitive motion. You must have sufficient visual acuity to evaluate print quality, accuracy, and neatness, and to observe facility conditions. The environment includes exposure to production noise and physical hazards such as moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, and working at heights or in narrow aisles. Atmospheric conditions may include fumes and vapors from varnishes, chemicals, and cleaning agents, with appropriate controls and procedures in place. Required personal protective equipment includes safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, and employees must avoid wearing jewelry, painted fingernails, or clothing with loose strings (such as hoodie strings) to maintain safety around machinery.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bowling Green, OH.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Bowling Green,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.