Printer Prep Technician (Can Plant)

About the role

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art can-making technology, this high speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities. The Printer Prep Technician is responsible for the routine, high-volume cleaning, handling, and maintenance of the lithographic printing plates (sleeves) and blankets used on the high-speed can decorating lines. This specialized role is crucial for maximizing the life of expensive printing materials, ensuring immediate availability of contamination-free components, and directly supporting print quality in a continuous, 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute standardized procedures for the safe and effective cleaning of lithographic printing plates (sleeves) and rubber blankets immediately after use to remove ink, varnish, paper dust, and other contaminants.
• Utilize specialized cleaning solutions, brushes, and equipment (e.g., automated plate cleaners) according to manufacturer and plant specifications.
• Inspect cleaned plates and blankets visually and using magnification devices for any residual ink, damage (scratches, pinholes), or wear before placing them into storage.
• Demount and safely handle delicate plates and blankets from decorator cylinders or mounting equipment, ensuring zero damage during transport and storage.
• Immediately report any defects, damage, or excessive wear found during the cleaning and inspection process to the Printer Plate Prep Technician or Decorator Supervisor.
• Assist in the organization and accurate inventory tracking of clean, ready-to-use plates and blankets, ensuring the correct rotation and FIFO (First-In, First-Out) material flow.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the plate cleaning area, adhering to 5S principles.
• Strictly adhere to all plant safety procedures, including the proper use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling cleaning solvents and chemicals.
• Ensure proper containment, labeling, and disposal of all hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated from the cleaning process, coordinating with the Environmental team.
• Follow all established policies for chemical handling, storage, and mixing.
• Maintain critical shift availability to ensure the continuous supply of clean, ready-to-use plates and blankets is available to the production lines, supporting continuous, high-speed operation.
• Commit to ensuring the health/wellness of employees and product; ensure jobs/operations are completely safe to protect employees and ensure sustainability of company equipment/machinery; ensure security of the workforce and sustain any client confidentiality requests; deliver timely and efficiently without hindering quality of services and work to ensure the team’s success in meeting client delivery schedules; be team centered to perform your job successfully while identifying ways to help others be successful too; willingness to learn; work at a fast pace, actively pursue tasks or direction; willing to work extended hours and adapt to changing work schedules as well as assignments; determine what work needs to be done without instruction; take action to complete additional work that is beneficial to the team without being instructed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to work effectively in a 24/7 environment, including shift work and weekends.
• Preferred: Experience specifically in can decorating or lithographic printing environments.
• Preferred: Familiarity with industrial cleaning agents and chemical handling procedures.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong visual inspection skills.
• High level of manual dexterity and proven ability to handle delicate materials without causing damage.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality control.