Heidelberg Sheetfed Offset Printing Operator

A day in the life

You start by opening the job ticket, reviewing the layout, and confirming project specifications. From there, you bring a Heidelberg sheetfed offset press to life—mounting plates, dialing in ink and water balance, and completing make-ready. You run predetermined pulls, compare them against standards, and make precise adjustments. Throughout each load run, you watch color, registration, and print quality, documenting results as you go. You keep the press clean, submit maintenance requests when needed, and record operating and maintenance activities. You support your supervisor and plant manager with additional tasks, all while following Snyder’s safety and quality practices.

How you'll spend your time

• 80% : Make-ready and run a Heidelberg offset press to Snyder Pkg. quality standards
• 10% : Hang and position plates, set ink and water levels, and perform other offset press operations
• 5% : Enter data into the computer and complete required forms
• 5% : Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on the machinery

Core responsibilities

• Interpret job layouts and project requirements; prepare equipment for production runs
• Troubleshoot issues and adjust press settings to maintain quality and throughput
• Inspect every load run, checking pre-determined run pulls for accuracy
• Maintain operating logs, maintenance records, and submit service requests as needed
• Carry out additional duties assigned by the supervisor and plant manager
• Adhere to Snyder’s established safety and quality standards

Minimum qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating offset printing equipment and strong color vision
• Basic shop math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Intermediate English skills for reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Basic computer proficiency: data entry, typing, printing
• Comfort with measurements; able to read a ruler accurately

Key competencies

• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting mindset
• Keen eye for defects and detail
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Working understanding of printing, die cutting, and gluing in packaging

Physical effort

• Manual loading and lifting; occasional climbing during machine operation
• Mix of repetitive and intermittent tasks; active, varied work requiring strength
• Operate semi-automatic equipment; requires good eyesight

Work environment

General warehouse environment within a paperboard packaging facility. Role involves reaching, bending, and lifting. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Proficiency

• Shop Math Skills