Second Pressman

Title: Second Pressman 

Location: Onsite in Rochester, NY

Company: Premier Packaging Corporation

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Second Pressman supports the setup, operation, and performance of conventional and UV offset printing presses used in the production of paperboard packaging. This role is responsible for feeder-end operation, press support activities, wash-ups, quality checks, and routine preventative maintenance, while developing the technical skill to assist with blankets, plates, registration, and press console operations. The Second Pressman partners closely with the First Pressman to maintain safety, quality, and productivity and escalates issues appropriately to minimize downtime and waste.

Responsibilities

Feeder-End Operation & Material Handling

• Operate the feeder end of the press to support steady, accurate sheet feeding.
• Prep and stage stock; stack stock on pallets and skids.
• Stack stock by hand when necessary to maintain workflow and quality.

Housekeeping & Safety

• Maintain housekeeping standards: keep the area around the press swept, clean, organized, and production-ready.
• Follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements; remain vigilant to surroundings and immediately report or remove safety hazards (per policy).

Ink / Coating Support & Monitoring

• Monitor inks in the fountains; add and stir inks to avoid color variation and minimize downtime.
• Check coating viscosity and communicate adjustments needed to the First Pressman.
• Maintain readiness of press supplies (blanket wash, roller wash, MRC, fountain solution, rags, plate cleaners, paste, etc.).

Wash-Up, Changeover & Press Cleanliness

• Perform wash-ups and changeovers to support next job readiness, including:
• Stripping and color washing units for the next job
• Pasting and conditioning rollers when necessary
• “Top to bottom” wash ups: ink fountains, stripping units, pan rollers, checking blankets, bearers, and back cylinders
• Removal and cleaning of wash-up trays
• Removal and cleaning of fountain solution pans

Quality Inspection & Defect Identification

• Inspect printing quality throughout the run; check sheets for defects including (not limited to):
• Side guide position and bounce/variation
• Back-up, scratches, broken type
• Coating windows/coating position
• Downside marking
• Hickeys, spots, smashed blankets, etc.
• Promptly alert the First Pressman to quality drift or press issues to support fast corrective action.

Preventive Maintenance & Mechanical Support

• Perform press preventative maintenance as assigned, including: greasing, blowing down and vacuuming the delivery, changing air filters, and cleaning fountain solution tanks/filters.
• Support mechanical duties under the First Pressman’s direction, including roller maintenance: pulling rollers, cleaning ink build-up inside units, checking for damaged rollers, and replacing when necessary.
• Remove blanket and back-cylinder washer assemblies and replace cloth as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in offset printing or paperboard packaging preferred.
• Working knowledge of printing processes, paperboard materials, and color standards is a plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate hand tools and press-related equipment.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and production reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, quality, and safety.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, and repetitive handling of paperboard stock and materials.
•  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently
• Work environment includes exposure to inks, coatings (including UV), solvents/cleaners, and manufacturing noise. 

Work Schedule

Full-time; may require overtime, weekends, or shift flexibility based on production needs.

Why Join Premier Packaging?

For over 35 years, Premier Packaging has specialized in folding carton packaging, producing high quality solutions that protect, showcase and elevate our customers’ products. From medical devices to food and consumer goods, what we make plays a critical role in performance, safety and brand experience, making the work we do both meaningful and visible.

You’ll be joining a team that takes pride in delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement drive success. Every role contributes to delivering results for our customers.

As part of DSS, Inc. and based in West Henrietta, NY, we partner closely with our customers to deliver reliable, end-to-end packaging solutions that balance quality, efficiency, and responsiveness in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner who exceeds expectations by delivering sustainable, high performing packaging that inspires confidence, unites function with aesthetics and performs flawlessly.

We envision a world where packaging elevates the product experience, is shaped through strong partnerships and delivers a distinct competitive advantage for our customers.

Join us today!

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization throughout employment. Premier Packaging does not currently sponsor employment visas.