Press Assistant

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate. The Opportunity

The Feeder Operator (Press Assistant) is responsible for supporting the setup and operation of a multi-color press, ensuring optimal press performance related to productivity, quality, spoilage reduction, and equipment maintenance. This role works closely with pressroom leadership and provides guidance and direction to the feeder operator assigned to the press.

In this role, the Feeder Operator prepares the press for production, reviews job documentation, ensures color accuracy and registration, maintains ink and water balance, and supports press wash-up and maintenance activities. The position requires close attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to train and collaborate with others in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

Prepare, set up, and operate multi-color presses to meet production, quality, and efficiency standards.

Clear machines before and after each run and ensure all foreign material and waste are properly removed.

Review job tickets, layout sheets, and samples prior to production to ensure accuracy.

Inspect plates, blankets, and packing materials for defects and ensure proper setup.

Download and apply pre-press information, assign color sequences, and configure scanners as required.

Achieve and maintain color match, registration, and print quality standards with supervisor approval.

Interpret color bars and maintain ink and water balance during production runs.

Inspect press sheets on both sides for defects and tag job samples as required.

Record production counts and ink usage accurately on job documentation.

Remove, preserve, and store printing plates as required.

Assist with press wash-up, cleaning, and routine preventative maintenance.

Train, direct, and support the feeder operator assigned to the press.

Communicate and assist sales staff and customers during press proofs.

Complete ISO forms, quality checks, and documentation accurately and on time.

Perform all duties in compliance with federal, state, local, and company safety regulations.

Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational goals.

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications:

Minimum of two (2) years of print production experience.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience operating a multi-color press.

Strong knowledge of printing terminology, processes, and best practices.

Excellent communication skills, including tact, sensitivity, and professionalism.

Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedural manuals.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Basic computer skills, including email and word processing.

Successful completion of required reading, mechanical aptitude, color vision, and color hue tests.

Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Employees are required to sit, stand, walk, talk, see, and hear. The role requires frequent use of hands and fingers, pushing and pulling, repetitive motions, and lifting materials of varying weights. This position also requires close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.