Offset Press Operator

Role Summary

The Offset Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining multicolor sheetfed offset presses to produce high-quality printed materials that meet safety, quality, and productivity standards. The role involves interpreting job tickets, matching color standards, troubleshooting press issues, and working closely with prepress, finishing, and quality teams to ensure jobs are completed accurately and on schedule.

Key Results Area

• Set up and operate sheetfed offset presses (e.g., Heidelberg, Komori, or similar) according to job specifications and production schedules
• Read and interpret job tickets, proofs, and production documentation to verify stock, ink, plates, coatings, and finishing requirements
• Perform make-readies, including plate mounting, ink presetting, registering colors, and adjusting feeder and delivery settings
• Maintain accurate counts, complete job documentation, and ensure all required labels, tags, and paperwork are properly filled out
• Monitor press operation for print quality, registration, color consistency, and overall performance throughout the run, adjusting as necessary
• Perform color control using densitometers and/or spectrophotometers to maintain color standards and customer specifications
• Inspect printed sheets for defects such as hickeys, scumming, ghosting, streaking, misregistration, and color variation, and correct issues promptly
• Coordinate with prepress and quality teams on proofs, color targets, and any required adjustments or approvals
• Perform routine press maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, roller and blanket inspections, and basic mechanical adjustments to minimize downtime
• Avoid safety hazards and follow all safety, housekeeping, and 5S/lean practices, maintaining a clean and organized press area
• Assist in training press helpers or less experienced operators as needed
• Communicate issues, delays, and improvement opportunities to supervisors and production leads

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience operating sheetfed offset presses in a commercial, packaging, or folding carton environment (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Strong understanding of offset printing processes, inks, coatings, paperboard/substrates, and color control
• Proven ability to set up, register, and run multicolor jobs while maintaining consistent color and quality
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for press issues
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed
• Willingness to work assigned shift, overtime, and weekends as required by production demands
• Experience in folding carton or packaging operations
• Experience with specific press models used (e.g., Heidelberg XL, Komori Lithrone, or similar)
• Familiarity with ISO color standards, G7, and use of densitometers/spectrophotometers
• Experience working in a lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environment
• Solid problem-solving and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Effective communication and teamwork skills; able to work closely with prepress, finishing, and quality
• Time management and ability to prioritize multiple jobs in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong safety mindset and adherence to company policies and procedures