Sheetfed First Press Operator
Quad/Graphics · Salt Lake City · $25–$32/hr (stated in the posting)
Unleash Your Potential at Quad – Don't Miss Out!
Ready to supercharge your career and make a lasting impact? At Quad, we're excited to welcome ambitious individuals who are driven to excel. Are you mechanically inclined or maintenance-savvy? Ready to take on a new challenge? Look no further! We're looking for motivated, detail-oriented individuals to join our growing team in Salt Lake City, UT!
Quad Packaging is seeking a Sheetfed First Press Operator to work on our 8-hour day shift (6 am-2 pm). This is your opportunity to enhance your skills working with the industry’s most advanced Packaging Equipment. This role includes travel for initial training in Franklin, WI, and Spartanburg, SC. Employees can be expected to be paid an hourly rate of $25 - $32.00 / hour, based on variations in knowledge, skills, experience, and market conditions.
Headquartered in Wisconsin, Quad is a marketing experience company that helps brands make direct consumer connections, from household to in-store to online. The company does this through its MX Solutions Suite, a comprehensive range of marketing and print services that seamlessly integrate creative, production, and media solutions across online and offline channels. Supported by state-of-the-art technology and data-driven intelligence, Quad simplifies the complexities of marketing by removing friction wherever it occurs along the marketing journey. With approximately 11,000 employees in 11 countries, we serve around 2,100 clients, including industry-leading blue-chip companies that serve both business and consumers in multiple industry verticals, with a particular focus on commerce, including retail, consumer packaged goods, and direct-to-consumer; financial services; and health. Quad is ranked among the largest agency companies in the U.S. by Ad Age, buoyed by its full-service media agency, Rise, and creative agency, Betty. Quad is also one of the largest commercial printers in North America, according to Printing Impressions
General Purpose of Job:
The Sheetfed First Press Operator is an experienced press operator responsible for setting up, adjusting, operating, and maintaining multi‑color sheetfed offset printing presses. This role ensures printed materials meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production efficiency requirements in a cost-effective manner
Key Responsibilities:
Review job specifications and work orders to determine appropriate press setup and materials.
Perform all make‑ready tasks, including pulling, hanging, and verifying approved plates; inspecting plates for defects; preparing blankets; adjusting press tension; cleaning ink rollers; and installing plates.
Load and regulate ink colors, fill reservoirs, and adjust ink volume to meet print specifications.
Load and verify the correct paper stock and ensure proper setup of take‑off and delivery areas.
Verify image positioning and quality against approved samples and proofs.
Make color corrections and press adjustments before to and during production to maintain quality standards.
Start, run, monitor, and control press operations, including feeding and printing processes.
Produce and evaluate startup samples, inspecting for defects such as blemishes, scratches, rub marks, readability issues, and barcode accuracy.
Inspect printed sheets throughout the run (minimum one sheet per 1,000 impressions) to ensure conformance with job requirements.
Document and record all required production information; report discrepancies and follow directions as needed.
Identify, tag, and stage defective or non‑conforming materials using established color‑coding procedures.
Stage finished goods on pallets with job documentation properly placed and completed.
Complete all paperwork accurately and place required materials in the job jacket.
Clear and isolate finished goods, make‑ready materials, and waste according to procedures.
Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance as scheduled.
Record required data on machine boards and production systems.
Assist and back up other Press Operators and Press Assistants as needed.
May operate and oversee more than one press at a time.
Mentor and train team members; promote teamwork and cross‑training on assigned equipment.
Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and quality requirements.
Comply with all food safety and quality policies and report concerns to site leadership.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Education: High School Diploma or equivelent
Experience:
3–5 years of experience as a Sheetfed Press Operator preferred.
2–3 years of experience as a Sheetfed Operator II preferred.
Experience with Heidelberg XL106 7-color LED w/ UV presses preferred, but will consider other makes and models.
Machine repair and maintenance experience required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of sheetfed offset printing processes, materials, equipment, and safety requirements.
Strong ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, SOPs, safety rules, and maintenance instructions.
Skilled in routine operational maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
Computer proficiency required.
Detail‑oriented with strong quality focus.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple responsibilities.
Effective communication skills for one‑on‑one and small group interactions.
Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to written, oral, or diagram‑based instructions.
Consistent attendance and punctuality.
Successful completion of color vision testing required.
Knowledge of Lockout/Tagout procedures and production danger zones.
Supervisory experience preferred.