Operator Assistant Slitter (STP)

Job Details: Job Location: Starpak LLC - Houston, TX, Salary Range: Undisclosed, The Printing Press Operator (Level A) is responsible for the independent and efficient operation of high-performance flexographic presses. This role requires strong technical knowledge, adherence to safety and food-grade compliance standards, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities:

1. Machine Operation & Technical Proficiency

Operate and configure Vistaflex and Miraflex flexographic presses with precision and autonomy.
Ensure a deep understanding of machine dynamics, including tension, temperature, ink viscosity, airflow, and pressure, to guarantee optimal print performance.
Use estimated setup times effectively based on job type and color count, ensuring efficient changeovers and minimizing downtime.
Apply knowledge of both internal factors (machine components) and external factors (maintenance, supplier inputs, auxiliary systems) that affect print quality.

2. Quality Control & Systems Management

Successfully complete print jobs at the required production speed while minimizing quality defects.
Operate and interpret results from BST and AVT inspection systems as active tools for real-time quality control.
Accurately manage production data and job flow using the Radius system, including correct use of codes and documentation requirements.
Proactively report issues involving rolls, ink, press functionality, or electrical systems to supervisors or appropriate management.

3. Safety & Food Compliance

Strictly adhere to all FSSC (Food Safety Certification Scheme) guidelines and manufacturing hygiene practices.
Ensure proper and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), both personally and among team members:

Safety glasses
Steel-toe shoes
Hair net
Face shield (for ink room tasks)

Promote and maintain a safe and hazard-free work area, modeling safety-first behavior.

4. Housekeeping & Waste Reduction

Implement and maintain a routine cleaning schedule for the press and surrounding area to support food safety and operational efficiency.
Actively work to minimize material waste and optimize the use of substrates, inks, and other consumables.

5. Professionalism & Growth

Consistently demonstrate quality-oriented skills, a proactive attitude, and attention to detail.
Engage in self-evaluation and continuous improvement to enhance professional performance and contribute to team success.
Support a culture of excellence, responsibility, and technical growth across the department.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

Ensure and oversee that your team uses all required safety equipment during their daily activities under your shift.
Use the appropriate PPE for each activity or function that requires it.
Understand the Jobpack as the main input for the press process and its cross-functional use in the following processes.
Accurately understand the system operation for each press and the different indicators that can be found in the system.
Understand how to manage variables such as tensions, air pressures, viscosity, and temperatures of each section of the printer in order to complete the job and ensure quality.
Understand the difference and purpose of Stickyback (1320, 1520, 1720) when diagnosing and printing on detailed or flat surfaces.
Understand how the Anilox works. Operator A must be able to associate print quality with the Anilox and discern when it needs to be changed.
Based on the above points, Operator A must be capable of performing troubleshooting and diagnostics of the machine using examples of print errors.
Periodically check the proper functioning of the press and the quality of the printed material.
Identify types of print errors, have at least 3 possible causes for each, and be able to correct them in the safest and most efficient way.
Operator A must recognize when a machine issue or print error involves one of the internal suppliers in order to request service.
Operator A must understand the importance of properly handling machine parts such as Anilox, plates, and other functional printer components due to their fragility, impact on quality, and cost.
Verify the following at the beginning of each job:

Film
Ink/Viscosity
Wind
Plates
Anilox

Properly fill out the documentation for each report:

Digital Press Report
Approval
Labels

Understand the procedure for ColorCert.
Change blades when the print quality or footage run determines it.
Inspect the quality of each roll using a printed sample.
Maintain control of the press after a job is approved.
Have the next job sequence prepared in advance and be alerted to ensure everything is ready when the current one is finished.

SECONDARY ASPECTS

• Effectively communicate with the team about the day's activities and work sequences.
• Be responsible, along with the team, for keeping the work area clean, stocked, and clear.
• Clean the machine periodically.
• Delegate tasks to the assistants related to the proper functioning of the machine and anticipation for MR.
• Collaborate with the administrative staff:

Tests
New procedures
Provide information
Point Lessons

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
Tolerance for working in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot, cold, noisy

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

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