This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
73% STARs in role.
Job Description
The Press Assistant supports the efficient operation of high-speed printing presses by operating auxiliary equipment, maintaining product quality, and ensuring the pressroom remains organized and well supplied. This role works closely with press operators to monitor print quality, manage materials and waste, and perform basic maintenance tasks that keep production running smoothly and safely.
Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate market identification by checking mastheads, skid tickets, and verifying proper counts throughout press runs.
- Operate and maintain robotic equipment used in the pressroom.
- Operate and maintain stacker machines to ensure efficient handling of printed signatures.
- Stack signatures neatly and maintain the overall quality and integrity of skids.
- Identify and promptly report any noticeable print defects to the Head Press Operator, Press Operator, or Supervisor.
- Coordinate the removal of paper waste in the pressroom to support a clean and efficient operation.
- Complete assigned tasks during make-readies and other press downtime to prepare for upcoming jobs.
- Assist with webbing up the printing press to ensure correct setup and smooth start-up.
- Keep presses stocked with required supplies, including paper, ink, and other consumables.
- Assist with the removal of waste ink, used printing plates, press-side garbage, skids, slip sheets, and plastic packaging.
- Assist with changing slip sheets at the printing units to maintain product quality and consistency.
- Assist with manual signature stacking when automated systems are unavailable or additional support is needed.
- Assist with cleaning press water systems and changing filters to maintain proper press operation.
- Perform Press Operator responsibilities when needed, under appropriate direction and training.
- Complete preventive maintenance assignments and initiate work orders when equipment issues or needs arise.
- Develop job skills and equipment knowledge necessary for advancement within the pressroom.
- Monitor product waste and take actions to minimize spoilage and improve efficiency.
- Experience operating machinery in a production or manufacturing environment.
- General production experience with an understanding of basic production workflows and processes.
- Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn and understand how pressroom equipment operates.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing hands-on tasks.
- Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel small components and controls.
- Ability to talk and hear clearly to communicate with team members and respond to instructions.
- Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms and to climb steps or ladders up to 25 feet or maintain balance as required.
- Ability to occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to access equipment and work areas.
- Ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Visual abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Comfort working around moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and vibration in an industrial setting.
- Ability to follow safety procedures when working around chemicals that require special handling.
- Comfort working occasionally in high or elevated areas and around potential electrical hazards, following all safety protocols.
- Willingness to develop skills and knowledge for progression into advanced pressroom roles.
- Ability to perform basic preventive maintenance and accurately initiate work orders.
- Attention to detail to identify print defects and monitor product waste.
- Strong sense of responsibility for maintaining quality and organization in the pressroom.
- Capability to assist with a variety of tasks, including webbing up presses, cleaning systems, and manual stacking, as needed.
- Readiness to work in a team-oriented environment and support press operators and supervisors.
You join a production environment where hands-on work, skill development, and teamwork are highly valued. The role offers the opportunity to learn advanced pressroom operations, gain mechanical and technical experience, and grow into higher-level positions over time. You work in a setting that emphasizes safety, clear procedures, and support for individuals who are eager to build a long-term career in printing and manufacturing.
Work Environment
The role is based in an industrial pressroom environment with frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and vibration. You may work around chemicals that require special handling and occasionally in high or elevated areas with a potential risk of electrical shock, always following established safety procedures. The noise level is typically high, consistent with a busy production facility, and appropriate hearing protection is expected. The position requires standing and walking for much of the shift, regular lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, as well as climbing steps or ladders up to 25 feet when needed. You will work around large printing presses, robotic equipment, stacker machines, and related support systems in a fast-paced, physically active setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.90 - $18.90/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006097793
