Press Operator

Job Title: Press Operator

Job Description

The Press Operator sets up, operates, and monitors a multicolor printing press to produce high-quality printed materials that meet customer specifications. This role oversees press production, supervises and coordinates with the press crew, and ensures an efficient balance between output and print quality. The Press Operator focuses on running quality sheets through the press, maintaining equipment to manufacturing standards, and accurately documenting production activities.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a multicolor printing press to produce quality printed sheets from supplied proofs according to job specifications.
• Control and adjust press speed and settings to maintain the proper balance between production efficiency and print quality.
• Supervise and coordinate with the press crew, clearly communicating daily tasks and relaying responsibilities to the feeder operator.
• Review and interpret job orders to determine required quantities, stock specifications, colors, and any special printing instructions.
• Enter accurate job completion details into the OMS/visual system and plan several jobs ahead to ensure materials and resources are ready.
• Complete all required documentation related to each job, including load tags, orders, data analysis forms, and coating documentation.
• Monitor feeding and printing operations continuously to maintain specified operating levels and quickly detect and address malfunctions.
• Assist with cleaning ink fountains during job changeovers and perform line clearance protocols to ensure a clean and safe work area.
• Lubricate and maintain the press according to manufacturing specifications and the company’s planned maintenance program.
• Manage and maintain color quality on the printing press, following established quality standards and procedures.
• Prepare the press for shift changes with the goal of having the press running and ready for the next shift.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and overall plant operations.

Essential Skills

• Previous printing press experience preferred.
• Experience with Komori printing presses is a plus.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to quickly solve problems and make decisions with minimal assistance.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, use, repair, and maintenance.
• Skills in controlling and operating production equipment and systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems and strong general computer skills.
• Ability to remain patient and calm during production processes and when issues arise.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to follow instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Capability to stand on feet for the majority of the workday.
• Ability to carry and lift an average of 50 lbs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment, especially in printing or packaging, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with OMS or visual job tracking systems is an advantage.
• Strong problem management skills, including identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards in printed output.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with team members and relay instructions clearly.
• Strong comprehensive skills to understand job specifications, production data, and process documentation.
• Comfort working with mechanical systems and performing basic maintenance tasks on production equipment.

Why Work Here?

Join an established, growing manufacturing organization that offers long-term stability and consistent production demand. You will be part of a company that specializes in printed and custom packaging solutions for recognized brands, providing opportunities to work with modern equipment and diverse products. The organization regularly invests in its workforce, offering clear paths for advancement from production roles into skilled operator, lead, or supervisory positions for those who demonstrate reliability and strong performance. Competitive pay and strong benefits support your overall well-being, while a culture of growth and internal development encourages you to build a lasting career.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production environment within a manufacturing facility that produces plastic packaging and printed packaging products. Work takes place on and around printing presses and related equipment, requiring frequent standing, walking, and handling of materials throughout the shift. The position involves operating and maintaining machinery such as Komori printing presses and working with inks, coatings, and various packaging substrates. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, with a focus on safety, quality, and meeting customer deadlines. Team members collaborate closely on the production floor, and the role requires comfort working around mechanical equipment and performing physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for most of the workday.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warwick, RI.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/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 Warwick,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 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.