Position Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Rotary Die Cutter Operator Assistant to join our production team in the corrugated packaging industry. This position is responsible for assisting in the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of multi-color flexographic rotary die cutting equipment, producing high-quality printed and die-cut corrugated containers. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience with rotary die cutters that include inline printing capabilities and will demonstrate strong leadership, mechanical aptitude, and attention to safety, quality, and efficiency.
Major Responsibilities:
- Member of production crew of 3 or more team members, with a focus on safe work practices, product quality, machine efficiency, and cleanliness.
- Assist in operation and set up flexo-equipped rotary die cutting machines (e.g., Ward, Bobst DRO, Göpfert, or equivalent) according to job specifications and order requirements.
- Assist with coordination with Design, Scheduling, Customer Service, and Maintenance teams to ensure accurate job setups, tooling readiness, and production timelines.
- Assist with setting and calibrating all major machine components, including:
- Flexo print decks (anilox rolls, print cylinders, doctor blades, ink pumps)
- Rotary die cutting cylinders, anvil blankets, trim removal systems
- Feeder section, vacuum transfer system, stacker/bundler configuration
- Ink systems, viscosity, pH, and color control
- Assist in performing in-process quality checks for print registration, ink coverage, die cut accuracy, and overall dimensional tolerances.
- Assist in monitoring and document key process parameters such as run speeds, downtime causes, scrap levels, and maintenance needs.
- Accurately input job data into ERP and production tracking systems (e.g., Amtech, ScoreKeeper, or similar).
- Comply with all plant safety procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, and quality control guidelines.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Assisting in performing machine setup at the start of each shift, including mounting print plates, setting die cylinders, and calibrating ink and feed systems.
- Help with conducting first-article inspection and monitor product quality throughout the shift.
- Record production, scrap, downtime, and maintenance events into digital or paper-based systems.
- Maintain cleanliness around the machine area in accordance with 5S and lean manufacturing practices.
- Help with inspecting and clean ink stations, anilox rolls, and doctor blades to ensure consistent print quality.
Weekly Responsibilities:
- Partner with Maintenance and Supervisors to schedule and execute preventative maintenance tasks (e.g., anilox cleaning, die cylinder checks, belt replacements).
- Evaluate job setups and provide feedback to improve changeover times, print consistency, and die longevity.
- Assist in training new operators or crew members, cross-training on adjacent equipment when necessary.
- Review upcoming orders to verify tooling, print plates, and die boards are prepared and staged.
- Participate in safety meetings and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
As-Needed Responsibilities:
- Assist with troubleshooting and correcting issues related to print defects (ghosting, ink starvation, registration), die cutting inaccuracies, and feeding/stacking jams.
- Safely manage ink and waste disposal per environmental and company standards.
- Support customer trials or prototyping runs, including test prints and new die validations.
- Work with Quality and Engineering to ensure jobs meet customer specs and internal performance criteria.
- Review and revise SOPs or work instructions as equipment or processes change.
