Pre-Make Ready Operator

About the role

Autajon is a family-owned industrial group where each employee is a "Connected Entrepreneur." Well-established in the Luxury Goods, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Wines & Spirits, and Confectionery & Specialties markets, the group employs more than 4,000 people across 41 human-scale sites, generating sales of 800 million euros. Cultech Inc., located in South Plainfield, NJ (30 minutes from Newark, 45 minutes from Times Square), is a custom luxury packaging company engaged exclusively in fine fragrance and premium cosmetics. Known for high-quality Mylar-laminated cartons, enhanced graphics, custom formulated inks, hot stamping, embossing, and silk-screening, Cultech employs about 133 people across two shifts, most working four-day work weeks.

The Pre-Make Ready (PMR) Operator is responsible for getting jobs set up for the converting machines. This includes locking up dies on stamping and embossing chases and getting dies and plates prepared for die-cutting machines. The operator must consistently and efficiently perform and follow procedures in compliance with company, customer, and ISO standards.

Responsibilities

• Pre-make ready dies and counter plates and set up bottom stripping pins blanker tooling.
• Inspect dies for proper cut off knives and nicks according to board caliper; check that rubber is in good shape.
• Lock up dies on stamping and embossing chase using die-coordinator and/or vinyl.
• Check tooling (strippers, blankers, counters) for wear on pins, rubber, stamping and embossing dies; ensure all parts are laid and working correctly.
• Utilize schedule to retrieve correct information for each job.
• Clean and inspect or repair new and used dies and tooling.
• Input data on new dies or search for existing dies using internal system; properly label dies.
• Use hand tools including table saw and jigsaw to prepare for die cutting operation as needed.
• Break down completed jobs and move them back to the correct storage location.
• Maintain proper housekeeping using 5S procedures.
• Assist in converting as required.
• Read job bag to ensure proper materials are staged for each machine.
• Produce high-quality work meeting established production standards.
• Ensure chemicals used are properly labeled at all times.
• Keep plate cleaning area well organized and ensure counters are returned to their proper location.
• Empty trash bins, sweep around the machine, pick up empty pallets around converting department and take them to the proper location.
• Perform other job duties as assigned by management or lead person.
• Consistently attend to quality throughout the manufacturing process.

Safety Responsibilities

• Learn and comply with all Cultech, Inc. safety rules (reference employee handbook).

Requirements

• High school education or GED required.
• Knowledge of and experience in operating a hand jack.
• Basic mechanical aptitude/skills.
• Basic level of English.
• Ability to read and understand a Job Bag.
• Basic math skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent manual dexterity.
• Demonstrate initiative in problem solving.
• Attentive to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive manual tasks with frequent rotations.
• Ability to comprehend and follow all job procedures and safety protocols.

Employees must fulfill the performance standards of this position and comply with policies, rules, and procedures of Cultech, including those in the Employee Handbook or otherwise communicated. As necessary, employees are expected to manage waste and chemical products properly. This job description is not an all-inclusive list and is subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by Cultech management. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and perform other duties as requested. Cross-training in other functions or positions may be required to ensure satisfactory operation of the department.

Benefits

• Compensation: $18–$20 per hour (based on experience).
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits with eligibility on the 1st of the month following date of hire.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Group life insurance paid by the company.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Twelve paid holidays each full calendar year.
• 15 PTO (Paid Time Off) days, prorated at entry and exit.
• 401(K) plan with a 50% corporate match on the first 6% of employee contribution, plus yearly profit-sharing distributions dependent on company profitability and meeting quality, safety, and operational objectives.