February 18, 2015

4-Color Offset Press Operator

We’re looking for an Offset Press Operator to join our Stationery team, based in North Adams, MA. We look for bright, hard-working people who want to be a part of a world-class organization known for our exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

This position supports company goals by producing high quality, consistent color, production runs on many substrates.

The Offset Press Operator assists in the production of customer orders by operating advanced offset printing presses to ensure consistent, high quality standards and achieving departmental commitments to print and finish various semi-finished and finished products. These products are manufactured according to complex printing specifications and requirements that include single and multi-color units, multi-color and complex registration, reverses, traps, screens, and specialty papers, using metal direct plates and a variety of inks and varnishes at speeds consistent with plant standards.

Responsibilities:
• Follows procedures and job specifications
• Checks incoming raw materials, as well as incoming and outgoing work to ensure quality
• Operates press
o Performs washup of inking trains, blankets and back cylinders
o Performs makeready (setup):
o Positions pile of paper in feeder within close tolerances
o Precisely positions of sheet of paper on registration board
o Sets delivery
o Inspects and hangs plates
o Develops and maintains correct pressure between plate-to-blanket and between blanket-to-back cylinder using various packing products
o Fills ink fountains
o Precisely registers image to position on sheet of paper
o Develops the proper balance between ink and water
o Obtains run approval
• During run monitors color, registration, image areas, non-image areas, back side of sheet; uses densitometer and records readings to G7 standards; Re-fills fountains (ink and water)
• At completion of run removes plates, performs washup
• Maintains work area in a clean, safe and orderly condition
• Mixes ink according to set formulas to obtain desired color
• Mixes chemicals according to set formulas to obtain correct run balance
• Records job transactions in production data systems through scanning and direct data entry
• Maintains logs and transactional paperwork
• Monitors incoming, unscheduled work and assures that presswork is completed according to specification and in a timely manner
• Repairs and changes blankets
• Monitors supplies and requisitions in a timely manner
• Maintains equipment at regularly scheduled intervals and according to manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations
• Moves material and semi-finished products to/from other manufacturing areas using appropriate equipment
• Observes recycling guidelines
• Reports waste and spoilage daily in accord with procedure
Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to read, write, keep neat and accurate records, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Minimum 5 years press experience in a commercial printing environment
• Comprehensive understanding of printing process and paper and ink characteristics
• Ability to see and manage color profiles
• Ability to perform clerical and arithmetic skills; must be able to compute basic math problems
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions
• Demonstrate the ability to learn to use computer and production data management system for tracking jobs and timekeeping
• Foil stamping, and Bindery experience a plus
• Ability to use soft proofing process for color
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility in changing routine in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Understand and assists with other printing equipment

Crane offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Qualified candidates are invited to apply via our careers page at www.careersatcrane.com.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabling condition, protected veteran status, uniformed military service member, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information.