The Heatset Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining heatset web offset printing presses to produce high-quality printed materials in a safe and efficient manner. This position ensures production schedules, quality standards, and waste reduction goals are met while maintaining equipment performance and workplace safety.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Set up and operate heatset web offset printing presses according to job specifications.
- Review production orders, work instructions, and customer requirements prior to press startup.
- Adjust ink, water balance, registration, color density, folding, and web tension to achieve required print quality.
- Monitor press performance throughout production runs and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality standards.
- Verify printed materials meet customer specifications for color consistency, print registration, and overall appearance.
- Troubleshoot press, mechanical, electrical, and print quality issues to minimize downtime.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs on press equipment.
- Inspect paper stock, inks, coatings, and other materials to ensure suitability for production.
- Maintain production records, quality documentation, downtime reports, and material usage logs.
- Coordinate with Prepress, Bindery, Maintenance, and Production teams to ensure efficient workflow.
- Follow all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and environmental regulations.
- Assist with training and mentoring less experienced press operators and press assistants.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and waste reduction.
- All other duties as assigned
