Plate Room Operator

Job Description

Shift:Night
Schedule:7:00 PM - 7:00 AM; 2/2/3 schedule
Shift Premium:$1.00
Pay rate:$19.25/hr (Negotiable depending on experience)

We are seeking a detail-oriented Plate Room Operator to support printing plate production, ink preparation, and quality inspection in our St. Joseph manufacturing facility.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience in manufacturing, printing, quality control, or technical equipment operation who want to grow in the packaging industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate platemaking and printing support equipment
• Inspect plates for quality, color accuracy, and defects
• Perform ink data entry and color matching using software tools
• Prepare inks and adhesives for production
• Document production and quality results
• Support maintenance and process troubleshooting
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
• Follow PPE, lockout/tagout, and safety procedures
• Provide shift turnover and production reports
• Participate in safety meetings and observations
• Lift and handle materials up to 40 lbs

Equipment & Tools Used

• Platemaking and printing equipment
• Utility knives, cutters, hand tools
• Hoists and material handling equipment
• Forklift (training provided)
• Computer systems for production tracking

Safety Requirements:

• Participate on safety observation teams
• Wear all required PPE and PFS: beard/hair net, hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety shoes.
• Perform all duties using safe work methods
• Attend and participate in monthly safety meetings.
• Complies with all established site and department safety rules and policies.
• Report unsafe conditions, all accidents and near misses immediately to TPL or his/her designate.

Physical & Work Environment

• 12-hour night shifts (7 PM-7 AM)
• Standing and walking most of shift
• Manual handling and material movement
• Indoor manufacturing environment
• Exposure to inks, solvents, and adhesives (PPE provided)

Qualifications

Requirements:

• 1+ year experience in manufacturing, printing, or equipment operation (preferred)
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to perform color and visual inspections
• Basic computer and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends
• Ability to pass color vision testing
• Strong safety mindset

Preferred:

• Flexographic or industrial printing
• Plate mounting or prepress support
• Ink mixing and color matching
• Quality inspection or SPC
• Packaging or plastics manufacturing
• Forklift operation

Other Requirements:

• Requires basic reading, writing and math skills.
• Ability to pass a hue and color vision assessment.
• Able to work without close supervision and instruct others as necessary.
• Able to follow instructions and make decisions based on data obtained.
• Drive a forklift (Training provided)
• Utilize fine manipulation skills (including but not limited to the use of a utility knife, scissors, tape measure, typing, writing, and hand tools)
• Must be able to distinguish colors for product quality purposes
• Must be able to effectively communicate with customers, peers, andManagement at all levels
• Computer knowledge and 1-2 years of Windows applications experience preferred.
• Work overtime and weekends as scheduled

Benefits and Perks

* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Disability insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discounts
* Flexible spending account
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid elder care
* Paid time off
* Parental leave
* Professional development assistance
* Retirement plan
* Tuition reimbursement
* Vision insurance