The Setup Technician I is responsible for ensuring safety and quality standards are upheld on Press & Die Cutting equipment while achieving setup time, waste, and speed targets. Additionally, they will provide troubleshooting, guidance and training to Press/Die Cutter Operators and fill in operating when there are vacations and/or absences. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Setup and Operation

• Maintain continuous awareness of live production performance and proactively address issues impacting safety, quality, productivity, or waste.

• Review work orders and production specifications to determine quantities, production schedules, stock requirements, color sequences, anilox specifications, and other setup requirements.

• Install and configure printing plates, rollers, dies, cylinders, and related tooling according to job specifications while meeting setup time and waste targets.

• Operate and support Standard Mark Andy presses, turret rewinders, fanfolders, die-cutters, and coating equipment as required.

• Provide operational coverage during vacations, absences, or staffing shortages.

• Monitor machine performance and adjust to optimize efficiency, quality, and throughput.

Technical Expertise and Troubleshooting

• Serve as the primary technical resource for turret machines, including High-Speed ABG, HD-ABG, and KTI equipment, as well as fanfolders and die-cutters.

• Troubleshoot equipment, process, and quality issues to minimize downtime and production interruptions.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements related to setup efficiency, waste reduction, and equipment performance.

• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring production challenges.

Coaching and Team Development

• Coach and support operators in achieving production targets related to speed, waste, quality, and safety.

• Train team members on machine operation, setup procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices.

• Provide ongoing mentorship to develop operator skill levels and promote continuous improvement.

• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on accountability and operational excellence.

Quality Assurance

• Inspect printed products for print clarity, color accuracy, registration, specification compliance, and visual defects.

• Ensure products meet customer requirements and company quality standards.

• Verify setup accuracy before production runs begin to minimize waste and quality defects.

Ink Management and Material Handling

• Blend, mix, store, manage, and maintain inks according to work order specifications and material requirements.

• Monitor proper ink usage and inventory practices to support production efficiency and quality.

• Package and label finished products following customer and production requirements.

Safety and Continuous Improvement

• Follow all company safety policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Actively participate in 5S initiatives, safety activities, audits, and continuous improvement programs.

• Promote safe work practices and identify opportunities to improve workplace safety.

• Support operational metrics and take ownership of team performance relative to established goals and targets.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• One to five years of flexographic printing experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

• Experience with press setup, troubleshooting, and operation of printing equipment.

Required Education and Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to read and interpret work orders, specifications, and production documentation.

• Working knowledge of flexographic printing processes, printing terminology, and quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Certification or associate degree in Printing Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.

• Experience with Mark Andy presses, ABG equipment, die-cutting systems, and finishing equipment.

• Prior experience training, mentoring, or leading production team members.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

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 Statement

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.