Coating Machine Operator - 1st Shift in Little Chute, Wisconsin at Heartland Label Printers LLC

POSITION SUMMARY

The Coating Machine Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of coating and printing equipment used to produce high-quality label rolls, fanfold products, and sheeted materials. This position ensures production is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and company procedures. The Coating Machine Operator also provides leadership and guidance to assigned Coating Machine Assistants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Set up, operate, and monitor coating and printing equipment to produce products according to customer specifications and production schedules.
• Review job orders and production documentation to determine quantities, materials, colors, coating requirements, production timelines, and machine settings.
• Select, install, and adjust printing plates, rollers, dies, cylinders, gauges, and related machine components.
• Set and adjust machine speed, temperature, pressure, coating weights, ink flow, and other operating parameters to ensure optimal performance.
• Monitor machine operation and product output, adjusting as necessary to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Load raw materials and substrates into equipment and unload finished products.

Coating and Ink Preparation

• Follow approved formulas and procedures to weigh, mix, and prepare coating solutions for application to various substrates, including paper and film materials.
• Measure and adjust ink color, viscosity, and pH in accordance with manufacturer and customer specifications.
• Apply coatings consistently to achieve required coat weights and performance characteristics.
• Conduct testing of coatings and finished products to verify quality and functionality.

Quality Assurance

• Inspect products throughout production for print clarity, color accuracy, coating performance, and compliance with specifications.
• Conduct routine quality checks using measuring devices, testing equipment, and visual inspections.
• Identify defects, troubleshoot issues, and make process adjustments to ensure product quality.
• Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, and equipment logs.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and preventive maintenance on coating and printing equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify potential maintenance concerns.
• Assist with troubleshooting machine malfunctions and coordinate repairs when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company standards.

Leadership and Team Support

• Provide direction, training, and support to Coating Machine Assistants.
• Promote teamwork and effective communication within the production department.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and contribute to achieving departmental goals.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure safe operation of machinery.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, and workplace hazards.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as authorized and trained.
• Utilize inventory management systems, scanners, and production software as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

Accountability

Demonstrates ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and accepts accountability for performance and results.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail

Maintains a high level of precision in machine setup, product quality, documentation, and production processes.

Adaptability

Responds effectively to changing priorities, production demands, and operational requirements.

Communication

Communicates clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors, quality personnel, and other departments.

Organization

Maintains an organized work environment and effectively manages production activities and documentation.

Problem Solving

Identifies production issues, evaluates solutions, and takes appropriate corrective action.

Safety Awareness

Recognizes and addresses safety risks while maintaining compliance with established safety standards.

Leadership

Provides guidance, coaching, and support to team members while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Prior experience operating coating, printing, converting, or similar manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Experience in flexographic printing, coating applications, or label manufacturing preferred.

Computer Skills

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to utilize production software, inventory systems, and scanning technology.

Technical Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret job specifications, production orders, and technical documents.
• Knowledge of quality control processes and measuring equipment preferred.

Equipment Certifications

• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification as required.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to:

• Moving machinery and mechanical equipment
• Noise, vibration, heat, and varying temperatures
• Inks, coatings, solvents, and other production materials
• Material handling activities and production-related hazards

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Activities

• Standing: Constantly
• Walking: Frequently
• Sitting: Occasionally
• Handling Materials: Constantly
• Reaching Outward: Frequently
• Reaching Above Shoulder: Frequently
• Bending: Frequently
• Climbing: Occasionally
• Crawling: Occasionally
• Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally

Lifting and Carrying

• Up to 10 lbs: Constantly
• 11–20 lbs: Frequently
• 21–50 lbs: Frequently
• 51–100 lbs: Frequently
• Over 100 lbs: Occasionally (with assistance or appropriate equipment as required)

Push/Pull Requirements

• Up to 12 lbs: Constantly
• 13–25 lbs: Frequently
• 26–40 lbs: Frequently
• 41–100 lbs: Occasionally

Reasonable Accommodation

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Heartland Label Printers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the work eligibility of all new hires following an accepted job offer.