Offset First Press Operator

Company: Quad
Location: Hartford
Posted on: March 17, 2026

Job Description:

As a global marketing experience company, Quad’s goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We’ve built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we’re all driven to perform at our best— for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we’re a company that believes we can always create a better way. Paid relocation may be available for highly qualified candidates 100 miles from the plant. Your recruiter will provide details. Join Our Team at Quad At Quad, we’re more than just a printing company—we’re a dynamic team committed to innovation, quality, and growth. We believe in empowering our employees with opportunities to learn, lead, and make an impact. As part of our press operations team, you’ll work in a fast-paced environment where your skills and leadership contribute directly to delivering exceptional products for our clients. If you’re looking for a career where safety, teamwork, and excellence are valued, Quad is the place for you. About the Role As an Offset First Press Operator, you’ll play a critical role in operating and maintaining the press equipment, while guiding the crew to meet and exceed production standards, while delivering exceptional print quality, ensuring client satisfaction, and maintaining a safe, efficient work environment What You’ll Do - Operate and maintain the press and all auxiliary equipment. - Direct and guide crew members to achieve productivity and quality goals. - Keep accurate records of delay time during the shift. - Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). - Perform press set-up and maintenance procedures. - Troubleshoot unit, folder, reel, and stacker problems with minimal delay. - Maintain proper ink and water balance and monitor ink densities per customer specifications. - Maintain a list of maintenance issues for scheduled service and assign tasks during maintenance periods. - Check and set rollers; replace as needed. - Communicate with supervisors to prioritize and resolve issues. - Read and follow job tickets, including special instructions, ink colors, and paper specifications. - Perform maintenance during downtime and plan ahead for multi-color make-readies. - Promote and enforce safety, 6S, and Lean programs. - Train and develop pressroom personnel; assist supervisors with evaluations and process improvements. - Facilitate teamwork across crews and shifts. - Attend operator meetings and stay current on new processes. - Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications - Ability to work irregular schedules, including rotating day/night shifts. - Ability to maintain close attention to detail for extended periods. - Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines under pressure. - Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities. - Ability to work overtime as mandated by production needs. - Physical requirements: - Lift 10–15 lbs continuously and up to 50 lbs occasionally. - Stand for long hours and use hands/wrists in controlled movements. - Use vision to identify defects and follow instructions accurately. - Ability to work 12-hour shifts (7 AM–7 PM or 7 PM–7 AM), including days, nights, weekends, and overtime. Preferred Experience - Detailed knowledge of the offset printing process with 3 years of previous experience. - Experience with Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, and/or Manroland Offset Presses is preferred, but we will consider all candidates with press experience. - Strong understanding of press operations and troubleshooting techniques. - Ability to read and interpret job orders and follow detailed instructions. - Basic math skills related to press operations. - Excellent problem-solving skills for issues like tension, ink distribution, and web breaks. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills to lead and mentor team members. - Commitment to safety and quality standards. Additional Information The actual rate of pay offered will vary based upon, but not limited to: education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include overtime and shift differentials. Quad offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, annual discretionary match to 401(k) based on company performance, life insurance, and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus childbirth short-term disability insurance, paid parental leave, adoption & surrogacy benefits, pet insurance, and more! If you're ready to take the next step in your career with Quad, apply today and become part of a team that values growth, innovation, and your potential to excel. We offer excellent benefits to eligible employees, including 401(k), holidays, vacations and more. Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging — a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. Drug-Free Workplace

Keywords: Quad, Evanston , Offset First Press Operator, Manufacturing , Hartford, Illinois