Printing Machinist

Andrew Kohn Pty Ltd, is an Australian packaging manufacturer based in Dingley, Victoria. The company specialises in the manufacture of flexible packaging products, including bags, pouches and other packaging materials for consumer and industrial applications. Its manufacturing facility integrates extrusion, printing, laminating, slitting and converting processes, enabling the production of printed packaging materials to meet customer specifications and quality requirements.

About the Role

Andrew Kohn Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced Printing Machinist to join its manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up, operating, adjusting and monitoring printing machinery used in the production of flexible packaging materials.

The role involves preparing printing equipment, controlling ink application and substrate feeding, monitoring print registration and colour consistency, identifying printing defects and maintaining machinery to achieve the required production and quality standards.

Location: 9–15 Redwood Drive, Dingley VIC 3172

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 per annum plus Superannuation

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate printing presses used to produce printed flexible packaging materials, including packaging films, bags and pouch materials, in accordance with production specifications.
• Interpret print job instructions, artwork specifications and approved print samples to determine the required press settings, substrate materials, ink requirements and production sequence.
• Prepare and adjust printing cylinders, printing plates, ink systems, substrate-feed mechanisms and other press components according to the printing process and job requirements.
• Mix and prepare printing inks and approved solvents to achieve the required colours, viscosity and printing characteristics.
• Adjust press speed, ink application, web tension, substrate alignment and print registration to maintain accurate and consistent printing on flexible packaging materials.
• Monitor printing operations and inspect printed output against approved samples to identify colour variations, registration errors, smudging, uneven ink coverage and other printing defects.
• Diagnose printing faults and make necessary adjustments to press settings, ink systems and mechanical components to restore print quality and minimise production wastage.
• Monitor the supply and movement of packaging substrates and printing inks during production runs to maintain efficient press operation and minimise interruptions.
• Carry out print quality checks throughout production, ensuring printed packaging materials meet required specifications before proceeding to subsequent manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate the transfer of completed printed materials to subsequent laminating, slitting or converting operations in accordance with production requirements.
• Perform routine cleaning, adjustments and preventative maintenance of printing machinery, including ink systems, rollers, cylinders and other press components.
• Maintain accurate production records, including print job details, material usage, quality checks, machine adjustments and wastage, while following workplace safety and chemical-handling procedures.

Candidate Requirements

• Relevant qualification such as Certificate III/Certificate IV in Printing, Printing Technology, Graphic Arts or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 1–2 years of relevant experience as a Printing Machinist or in a comparable commercial or industrial printing position.
• Demonstrated experience setting up, operating and adjusting printing presses, preferably in flexible packaging or industrial packaging production.
• Knowledge of flexographic or gravure printing processes and their application to flexible packaging materials will be highly regarded.
• Ability to interpret printing specifications, artwork requirements, colour standards and production instructions.
• Experience adjusting ink systems, substrate-feed mechanisms, web tension, print registration and other press settings.
• Strong understanding of ink preparation, colour consistency, printing quality control and defect identification.
• Ability to identify printing faults, adjust machinery and maintain consistent production quality.
• Experience conducting routine press maintenance, cleaning and mechanical adjustments.
• Familiarity with flexible packaging substrates, printing films and associated manufacturing processes will be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Sound understanding of workplace health and safety, chemical handling and safe printing machinery operation.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a manufacturing team.
• Only candidates currently residing in Australia will be shortlisted.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume outlining your relevant qualifications, printing machinery experience and suitability for the position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.