Lead Press Operator

Aegis Worldwide

Niles, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$40–$49 Per Hour
SKILLS
Color Management, Communication Skills, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Identify Issues, Leadership, Management of Information Systems/Technology (MIS), Organizational Skills, Preventative Maintenance, Printing, Problem Solving Skills, Process Management, Production Systems, Quality Metrics, Quality Monitoring, Safety/Work Safety, Time Management, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Niles, IL
POSTED
2 days ago
Job Title: Lead Press Operator - 2nd Shift

Location: Niles, IL
Schedule: 2nd Shift | 1:45 PM - 10:15 PM (30-minute lunch)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $40 - $49/hour (based on experience)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Press Operator to join a high-quality printing operation on 2nd shift. This is a hands-on leadership role for a skilled press professional who can step in with minimal training, operate advanced offset presses, and drive production quality and efficiency. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in UV printing, strong troubleshooting ability, and proven experience leading press operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set up, operate, and maintain Heidelberg and/or Komori offset presses
  • Review and interpret job tickets, including layout, color specs, substrates, and finishing details
  • Perform full press make-ready, including registration, color matching, and quality checks
  • Troubleshoot mechanical and production issues to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency
  • Monitor print quality throughout production runs and make real-time adjustments as needed
  • Lead and direct one pressman, ensuring workflow efficiency and proper press setup
  • Communicate job status, issues, and updates to leadership and across shifts
  • Complete accurate production reporting and documentation in MIS systems (Hagen or similar)
  • Perform routine and preventive maintenance on press equipment
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in offset printing
  • At least 5 years of experience as a Lead Press Operator
  • Strong experience with Heidelberg and/or Komori presses
  • Proven experience with UV printing and coating (aqueous and UV)
  • Experience operating 40"+ format presses and 6+ color configurations
  • Strong understanding of print processes, color management, and quality standards
  • Excellent troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with KBA, Mitsubishi, or Manroland presses
  • Familiarity with sheeter equipment
  • Experience using Hagen or similar production/MIS systems
What We're Looking For

  • Hands-on leader who leads by example
  • Highly detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality
  • Self-sufficient and able to hit the ground running
  • Strong communicator with the ability to manage workflow and priorities
  • Problem solver with a proactive mindset
Schedule & Overtime

  • Standard 2nd shift hours with 30-minute overlap for shift handoff
  • Overtime as needed, including coverage during vacations (may include 12-hour shifts)
  • Occasional Saturdays (approximately one per month)
Benefits

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Stable environment with ongoing investment in equipment and operations
Interview Process

  • One onsite interview
  • Facility and equipment walkthrough
  • Quick decision process

If you are a highly skilled press operator with leadership experience and a background in high-quality printing, this is an opportunity to take ownership of a shift and make an immediate impact.

About the Company

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Aegis Worldwide