Folder Gluer Operator

ABOUT VIATECH Just-in-time production is in our DNA. Born in a classroom at Columbia University in 1995, ViaTech's mission then, as it is now, is to automate every step of the "Content Value Chain." Businesses create huge amounts of content that is consumed by stakeholders around the world. ViaTech automates every step of that process, from creation to consumption. The most prestigious brands in the world rely on us. From our headquarters in Dallas and our offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Indore (India), we serve clients across the United States. Owned by the people who run it. Nearly 40% of ViaTech is owned by our employees through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Here, you are not just keeping someone else's operation running. You have a real stake in the results, and you are trusted to make the decisions that are right for our customers and our company. What we stand for: Self-Direction • Transparency • Helpfulness • Innovative • Community • Excellence What we offer: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; ESOP participation; 401(k); group life insurance; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). POSITION SUMMARY Do you enjoy working with your hands, solving mechanical problems, and turning printed materials into finished products? ViaTech is looking for a Folder Gluer Operator to join our Bindery team. In this role, you will set up, operate, and fine-tune folder gluer equipment to produce high-quality folded and glued cartons and other printed products that meet customer specifications and production deadlines. This is a hands-on manufacturing role for someone who takes pride in precision, efficiency, and quality. You will perform machine setups and adjustments, troubleshoot production issues, monitor glue application and folding accuracy, and work with an experienced team to keep production running smoothly. We offer opportunities for hands-on training, cross-training on additional bindery equipment, and career growth for employees who demonstrate strong technical skills, reliability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. TRAINING & CAREER GROWTH Paid, hands-on training. Learn folder gluer setup, operation, adjustments, and troubleshooting alongside experienced operators and technicians. A skills path, not a dead end. Develop your skills and progress from Folder Gluer Operator to Multi-Machine Operator, Lead Operator, or Setup Technician. Cross-training on multiple machines. Expand your knowledge of bindery and finishing equipment and become a more versatile member of the production team. Real maintenance know-how. Learn routine equipment care, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting while working with maintenance personnel when needed. Room to move up. Strong performers may advance into lead, setup technician, maintenance, or supervisory positions as opportunities become available POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Abilities and Skills: Mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning how industrial production equipment works. Folder gluer machine setup, operation, adjustment, and job changeover skills. Understanding of folding, gluing, carton alignment, and adhesive application. Ability to read job tickets, work orders, samples, and production specifications. Attention to detail and the ability to identify defects and maintain consistent product quality. Basic troubleshooting skills related to feeding, folding, glue application, and machine operation. Ability to monitor production output, minimize waste, and meet production deadlines. Safety-first work habits, including machine guarding, applicable lockout/tagout procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Teamwork, reliability, organization, and clear communication. Position Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust folder gluer equipment to meet job specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Review job tickets, work orders, production quantities, carton samples, material specifications, and folding and gluing requirements before starting each job.
• Prepare and adjust folding rails, guides, belts, feeders, glue systems, compression sections, and other machine components as required by the job.
• Monitor machine performance and make appropriate adjustments to maintain production speed, accuracy, and quality.
• Troubleshoot routine feeding, folding, alignment, adhesive, and mechanical issues; communicate more complex problems to the supervisor or maintenance team.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance, including cleaning glue systems and machine components, removing paper debris, conducting routine inspections, and completing other assigned maintenance tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One or more years of experience operating production, manufacturing, bindery, or industrial machinery preferred. Candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn will also be considered.
• Experience with machine setup, adjustments, changeovers, and quality inspections in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Ability to read job tickets, work instructions, measurements, and production specifications.
• Basic understanding of paperboard, printed materials, folding, gluing, or packaging production preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating folder gluer equipment in a commercial printing, folding carton, packaging, or bindery environment.
• Familiarity with folder gluer brands and equipment such as Bobst, Jagenberg, Vega, or similar machines.
• Knowledge of carton styles, folding sequences, adhesive systems, compression sections, and common folding and gluing defects.
• Experience with quality control procedures, production documentation, and waste reduction.
• Vocational or trade school coursework in Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
• Forklift certification.
• Experience working in a multi-shift manufacturing operation.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, and weekends as production needs require.
• Ability to follow company safety policies, production procedures, and quality standards.
• Ability to successfully complete required job training and equipment safety instruction.
• Ability to pass criminal background checks and drug screening, where permitted by applicable law.

Other Physical Requirements Must be able to work in a manufacturing and warehouse environment for most of the workday; stand and walk for extended periods; bend, reach, and perform repetitive movements; safely operate and monitor industrial machinery; handle paperboard, cartons, and production materials; lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally; and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and requirements may change based on business needs. Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance On-the-job training Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person