Die Cutter Operator
General Purpose
Responsible for performing manual and machine tasks related to the setup, maintenance, and operation of die-cutting equipment to produce products that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.
Essential Job Functions- Demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of die-cutting processes and equipment
- Read job tickets to determine setup specifications and operating instructions
- Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions and determine necessary adjustments
- Follow all applicable standard operating procedures for the job, position, and department
- Perform routine adjustments during press runs to maintain consistent production
- Complete assigned work accurately and on schedule
- Follow instructions precisely
- Maintain daily production records using required forms
- Record production data, including time spent on specific tasks
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
- Open machines and remove or replace damaged product using hand tools
- Train team members on machine setup, operation, and safe use
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and troubleshooting
- Perform make-ready procedures
- Collaborate with team members across departments to maximize production efficiency
- Follow established department policies, procedures, work instructions, and safety and environmental guidelines
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications- Knowledge of Bobst die-cutting equipment preferred
- Minimum of two years’ experience running board stock and paper on flatbed die cutters
- Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and procedural documents
- Basic computer skills, including data entry
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Ability to maintain reliable attendance
- Ability to pass color vision and color hue tests
- Ability to meet or pass mechanical aptitude testing or demonstrate mechanical aptitude through prior experience
- Ability to use pre-make-ready tables
- Ability to use measuring and inspection tools, including rulers, calipers, and micrometers
- Knowledge of size and location requirements for the nicking process
- Ability to identify common packaging defects, including cracking, sharpness, heavy scoring, misalignment, tearing, light cutting, loose fibers, and pressure marks
- Ability to create spotting sheets and stripping boards
- Knowledge of rubber and cork selection and application
- Knowledge of reknifing tools and techniques, including benders, bridgers, miters, and cutters
- Knowledge of tonnage adjustment during cutting operations
- Knowledge of underlay use and spotting techniques
- Knowledge of cube and manual tonnage operation
- Knowledge of 1mm counter plates and use of register pins
- Ability to repair dies by modifying creasing rules and cutting knives
- Knowledge of blind make-readies and associated processes
- Knowledge of counter plates, matrix, spotting tape, and underlaying techniques
- Willingness to work overtime as needed; significant overtime may be required during peak periods
- Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
Safe Work Requirements- Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, hard hats, and task-specific PPE
- Comply with Smurfit WestRock employment policies, handbook, and workplace safety rules and procedures
- Submit safety concerns, safety work orders, and incident reports as required
- Follow site leadership direction as part of the Safety Excellence System
- Complete all required training through the Learning and Development system
- Understand and follow the STOP Work Process, including the right to stop work to ensure safety
Physical Demands- Ability to meet physical demands necessary to perform essential job functions
- Reasonable accommodation
made for qualified individuals with disabilities