Bag Press Operator — 1st & 2nd Shift
Location: St. Charles, MO area
Compensation: $25.00–$35.00/hour, based on experience
Schedule: 4x10s, Monday–Thursday
Job Summary
A well-established industrial packaging manufacturer is hiring an experienced Bag Press Operator to set up and run bag-forming presses that produce pinch-bottom and flat-bottom bags. This is a hands-on, mechanically-driven role — we’re looking for someone who already understands press setup, ink/color matching, and troubleshooting, not just someone who can push buttons on an automated line.
Pay & Schedule
- Full-time, 4x10-hour shifts, Monday–Thursday (three-day weekend, every week)
- 1st shift: 4:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., or 2nd shift: 2:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m. (hired onto a specific shift)
- Overtime is never guaranteed; when needed, it is only mandatory every other week and limited to Fridays — plant is closed every Saturday and Sunday
What You’ll Do
- Read job orders and set up machinery to meet specific customer requirements
- Constantly monitor print quality at prescribed intervals and document checks
- Mix, match, and maintain inks/colors correctly for each job
- Mount plates and perform changeovers and basic machine adjustments
- Run machinery at acceptable speed and scrap levels
- Complete all 'make-ready' process control steps and obtain QC/supervisor approval for startup
- Troubleshoot mechanical and process-control issues, including repairs
- Direct a packer/press assistant on day-to-day workflow
- Follow startup and end-of-day clean-up procedures; keep machine and work area clean
- Cross-train on other bag machinery as needed
- Follow all safety rules and work in a safe manner at all times
What You Bring
- Hands-on experience operating bag-forming/printing press equipment (preferred)
- Experience producing pinch-bottom and/or flat-bottom bags is a strong plus
- Flexographic printing background, including color matching
- Working knowledge of ink chemistry and maintenance
- Mechanical aptitude — comfortable with manual/mechanical press setup, not just automated controls
- High school diploma or GED
- Comfortable with basic math, using a calculator, and reading a ruler
- Able to distinguish colors and shades accurately for quality control
- Basic computer navigation skills
- Willing and able to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervision
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Working Conditions
- Able to stand for up to 10 hours at a time
- Able to push, pull, kneel, reach, sit, hear, and see as needed on the production floor
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs on an occasional basis
- Able to see fine detail in finished product for quality checks
- Exposure to machinery noise and vibration; required PPE (hearing protection) provided
Growth & Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package. Pay increases are performance-based — once you demonstrate you can run the job to standard, you move up, regardless of how long that takes. Relocation assistance may be available for well-qualified candidates outside the local area.
About This Opportunity
This search is being conducted confidentially on behalf of an established industrial packaging manufacturer. Company name and exact address are withheld at this stage; details are shared once a candidate advances in the process.