Die Cutting Operator

Job Title: Die Cutting Operator
Location: Sturgis, Michigan
Status: Full-Time

HRforGrowth® is engaged as the talent acquisition partner to conduct this search on behalf of a client organization that is hiring for this role. HRforGrowth is not the employer for this position. HRforGrowth identifies, evaluates, and presents top-tier candidates through its global talent acquisition practice; all employment decisions — including final selection, offer terms, compensation, and conditions of employment — are made solely by the hiring organization.

Position Summary
The Die Cutting Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring die-cutting equipment used to convert printed sheets into accurate, high-quality folding cartons and related packaging components. This role supports production efficiency, material yield, and quality by ensuring cut, crease, blanking, and stripping operations meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, and production schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Set up and operate die-cutting equipment to process printed sheets into folding cartons and other specialty packaging components
Read and interpret job tickets, production specifications, layouts, and tooling requirements to confirm proper setup, stock orientation, and finished dimensions
Install and adjust dies, stripping units, blanking tools, and related machine components to achieve clean cuts, accurate creases, and consistent registration
Monitor machine performance throughout production runs and make adjustments to pressure, alignment, feed, and delivery settings to maintain output quality
Inspect finished work for defects such as incomplete cuts, poor stripping, cracking, scuffing, misalignment, and dimensional inaccuracies
Support blanking processes that help convert printed sheets into foldable cartons efficiently and reduce manual stripping time.
Work with in-house tooling and production support teams to verify die readiness, troubleshoot tooling concerns, and maintain efficient changeovers.
Perform line clearance, setup verification, and in-process quality checks in accordance with company procedures and customer requirements
Maintain accurate production records, downtime logs, scrap reporting, and job completion documentation
Complete routine machine cleaning, lubrication, preventive maintenance checks, and minor troubleshooting to reduce downtime and support safe operation
Coordinate with press, finishing, quality, and supervisory teams to resolve production issues and keep work flowing through the plant
Follow all safety, housekeeping, quality, and standard operating procedures in the manufacturing environment

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of 2 years of experience operating die-cutting, converting, or related packaging equipment in a printing or manufacturing environment preferred
Ability to read job jackets, production orders, measurements, and technical specifications accurately
Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform setups, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting on converting equipment
Understanding of folding carton production, sheet handling, die-cutting tolerances, and quality inspection practices
Ability to use measuring tools and conduct visual quality inspections with strong attention to detail
Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and lift materials or tooling as needed
Willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, and weekends based on production demands
Experience operating blanking die-cutters in a folding carton or specialty packaging environment
Familiarity with in-house die tooling workflows, Gerber CAD/CAM-supported tooling environments, or related converting operations
Experience in regulated manufacturing environments with ISO 9001:2015, CGMP, or similarly controlled quality systems
Prior experience working with packaging for healthcare, consumer, or premium branded products is a plus

About HRforGrowth:
HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients — from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives. HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.

HRforGrowth endeavors to advise the hiring organization to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws — including those enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — in its hiring decisions, terms of employment, and workplace practices.

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