Printing Press Operator/Machine operator

Offset Printing Press Helper

Position Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Equipment: Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 Sheetfed Offset Press/ horizon collator

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Offset Printing Press Operator to operate and maintain a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75. The operator will be responsible for setting up, running, monitoring, and maintaining the press while producing high-quality printed materials according to job specifications, production schedules, and company quality standards.

This is a hands-on production position requiring strong mechanical ability, attention to detail, color-matching skills, and the ability to troubleshoot printing and equipment issues.

Primary Responsibilities

- Review job tickets, production schedules, proofs, samples, and customer specifications before beginning each job.
- Confirm paper stock, sheet size, ink colors, coatings, plates, quantities, and finishing requirements.
- Inspect printing plates for accuracy, damage, and proper identification.
- Load, mount, position, and register printing plates on the press.
- Prepare and mix conventional or specialty inks according to job requirements.
- Fill ink fountains and adjust ink keys to achieve proper ink coverage.
- Set up the press feeder for different paper sizes, thicknesses, coatings, and substrates.
- Load paper into the feeder and ensure sheets feed consistently.
- Adjust feeder heads, suction, air, side guides, double-sheet detectors, and sheet separation settings.
- Set sheet size, press speed, impression pressure, gripper settings, and delivery settings.
- Install and adjust press blankets, packing, wash-up blades, and other press components.
- Establish and maintain proper ink-and-water balance throughout the press run.
- Set up and monitor dampening systems.
- Set up aqueous coating units when required.
- Adjust coating viscosity, coverage, drying, and delivery settings.
- Set up infrared, hot-air, or powder spray systems when required.
- Pull press sheets and compare them with approved proofs, color targets, and job specifications.
- Achieve accurate color using densitometers, spectrophotometers, color bars, and visual inspection.
- Maintain proper registration, color consistency, dot gain, trapping, density, and print clarity.
- Make color and registration adjustments during makeready and throughout the production run.

DLUX Printing is a fast-paced, full-service print and production company serving the Gulf Coast. From custom apparel and signage to large-scale print jobs and mailing services, everything is produced in-house with a focus on speed, quality, and customer satisfaction.