PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING: This position requires recent hands-on experience operating MBO, Stahl, or equivalent commercial printing folder equipment. If your experience is limited to general manufacturing, warehouse work, packaging, or basic machine operation, you will not be considered.
Experienced Folder Operator - Commercial Printing (MBO/Stahl Equipment)
Centreville, MD | Full-time | Overtime Available | Direct Mail Print Production
Reports to: Bindery Supervisor
Tidewater Direct, a trusted leader in commercial printing and direct mail production, is seeking an experienced MBO/Stahl Folder Operator. This position is for candidates with hands-on experience operating commercial printing folder equipment in a high-volume print production environmentThis is not an entry-level role - we're looking for someone with hands-on experience running high-speed folder equipment like MBO or Stahl in a production print or direct mail environment. You MUST have at least 2 years of experience operating MBO, Stahl, or equivalent commercial printing folding equipment. Applications without this experience will not be considered.
Candidates must live within commuting distance of Centreville, MD or be willing to relocate.
Relocation assistance may be offered for the right candidate with strong folder experience.
If you know how to run unwind-to-fold systems, troubleshoot folder jams, and keep your line moving with precision—we want to talk to you.
What You’ll Do
- Run continuous-feed, buckle folder, and unwind-to-fold systems
- Perform makereadies, roller adjustments, and troubleshooting on commercial printing folder equipment
- Monitor output and make mechanical adjustments as needed
- Maintain high-quality folding, speed, and accuracy
- Perform daily maintenance and keep the folder in top condition
- Track production numbers and report issues
- Follow safety protocols and production deadlines
What You Bring
- Minimum 2 years operating MBO or Stahl folder equipment in a commercial printing or direct mail environment
- Experience with buckle folders, continuous-feed folders, unwind-to-fold systems, or equivalent commercial printing folder equipment
- Experience reading print job tickets and setting up folding jobs
- Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting commercial print finishing equipment
Required Experience
Applicants should have experience with one or more of the following:
- MBO folders
- Stahl folders
- Commercial printing folder equipment
- Print finishing equipment
- Direct mail production
- Web press finishing
- Continuous-feed folding systems
- Buckle folders
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time, 40 hours/week
- 2nd shift 3 pm - 11 pm
- Overtime and Saturday work as needed
- Competitive starting wage based on experience
- Full benefits after 90 days: Health, Dental, Life, LTD, 401(k)
Note: This is a specialized position requiring folder machine experience in a commercial printing or direct mail environment. Please do not apply unless you have experience operating commercial printing folder equipment (MBO, Stahl, or equivalent). This is not a general machine operator, warehouse, or bindery helper role. Please be prepared to answer screening questions about your folder equipment experience and location.
Please Do NOT Apply If
- You have only warehouse experience.
- You have only general machine operator experience.
- You have only packaging or manufacturing experience.
- You have only bindery helper experience.
- You have never operated MBO, Stahl, or equivalent commercial printing folder equipment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- What types of machines or tools have you worked with before?
- Have you ever had to fix or troubleshoot a machine on the job? What did you do?
- Why are you interested in working in printing and learning to run folder equipment like MBO or Stahl?
- Are you comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced environment that involves being on your feet, moving around, and handling materials throughout your shift?
Work Location: In person
