OPERATOR, PRESS

Position Summary

Inovar Packaging Group is proud to be one of North America's premier flexographic and digital printing companies, dedicated to the success of our employees and customers. We invest in the latest equipment and technology, continually seeking the best strategies and solutions to deliver cutting-edge, high-quality products. Our culture is customer-driven, team-oriented, and built on win-win partnerships.

The HP Digital Press Operator II is responsible for independently operating HP Indigo digital printing equipment to safely produce high-quality labels and packaging products that meet customer specifications, production schedules, and quality standards. This experienced operator serves as a technical resource within the department by troubleshooting equipment, maintaining exceptional color consistency, minimizing waste, maximizing machine efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The Operator II works collaboratively with Production, Prepress, Finishing, Maintenance, and Quality teams to deliver exceptional customer results.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short/Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• Career advancement opportunities
• State-of-the-art digital printing technology
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture

Essential Responsibilities

• Independently operate HP Indigo digital presses to meet daily production schedules.
• Perform complete press setup, make-ready, calibration, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Review job tickets and customer specifications prior to production.
• Produce printed labels and packaging that meet customer quality, color, registration, and finishing requirements.
• Monitor print quality throughout production and make adjustments to maintain color accuracy and consistency.
• Troubleshoot print quality issues, mechanical concerns, and production interruptions with minimal supervision.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and daily equipment cleaning.
• Accurately complete production documentation and quality records.
• Monitor machine performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Work closely with Prepress, Scheduling, Maintenance, Quality, and Finishing to ensure smooth production flow.
• Maintain inventory awareness of inks, substrates, blankets, imaging oil, and other press consumables.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Follow all company safety, quality, GMP, and standard operating procedures.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and assist in training less experienced operators.

Level II Expectations

A Level II Operator demonstrates advanced technical proficiency and requires minimal supervision. This role is expected to:

• Independently operate HP Indigo presses throughout the entire production cycle.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of print quality, registration, color, and equipment issues.
• Maintain exceptional color consistency across repeat jobs and customer standards.
• Optimize machine uptime through efficient setups, changeovers, and preventative maintenance.
• Reduce material waste while maximizing throughput and productivity.
• Identify root causes of production issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with onboarding and mentoring Level I operators.
• Serve as a technical resource for production leadership and teammates.
• Communicate effectively across departments to resolve production challenges quickly.
• Demonstrate strong decision-making and ownership while maintaining production schedules.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3+ years operating HP Indigo digital printing equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to independently operate digital presses with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of color management and print quality standards.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read production orders, job tickets, and customer specifications.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred

• HP Indigo Operator Certification.
• Experience with HP Indigo 6900, 6K, 7K, or similar equipment.
• Experience in pressure-sensitive labels or flexible packaging.
• Knowledge of HP PrintOS, Esko workflow, or other digital front-end systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, reach, twist, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to distinguish color variations accurately.
• Work safely around moving production equipment.
• Wear required PPE.

Success in This Role

A successful HP Digital Press Operator II consistently delivers high-quality printed products while maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity. This individual takes ownership of press performance, proactively solves production challenges, minimizes downtime and waste, mentors fellow operators, and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Their technical expertise and commitment to quality help ensure Inovar continues delivering exceptional products and service to its customers.