Job Title: Flexo Folder Gluer- 1st Assistant Operator
Department: Converting
Reports to: Converting Supervisor
Location: Converting Floor
Position Summary: The 1st Assistant Operator supports the Operator in the setup, operation, and changeover of the flexo folder gluer. This role bridges hands-on machine work with quality accountability, serving as the primary quality check point during production runs and taking an active role in changeovers and minor adjustments. The 1st Assistant is expected to be capable of safely operating the machine for short periods in the Operator's absence and actively developing toward full Operator competency.
Compensation
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About Us
ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:
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Assist the Operator with all phases of job changeover: removing and staging plates, dies, anilox rolls, and ink systems; setting up fold sections and glue systems per job specifications.
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Set up and verify glue system temperatures, bead placement, and application weight at the start of each job; monitor glue quality throughout the run.
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Perform and document first-article quality inspections at job startup: verify dimensions, score depth, fold quality, print registration, and glue placement against approved specifications.
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Conduct in-process quality checks at defined intervals; document results on the quality log and communicate deviations to the Operator immediately.
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Make minor press adjustments (fold, score, glue, infeed timing) under Operator direction; develop independent adjustment capability over time.
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Direct the 2nd Assistant on outfeed, stacking, and quality sampling tasks; serve as the first point of escalation for the 2nd Assistant's concerns.
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Monitor production counts, speed, and waste rate; alert the Operator to trends or anomalies.
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Assist with ink mixing, color matching, and ink viscosity checks as directed; maintain ink station cleanliness.
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Lead outfeed and cleanup at job end; ensure changeover area is ready for next job before shift handoff.
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Operate the machine independently for short durations (e.g., Operator break, brief absence) at the Supervisor's authorization — within the 1st Assistant's demonstrated competency level.
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Participate in downtime logging: record reason, duration, and corrective action for any unplanned stop exceeding 5 minutes.
Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience
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Minimum 6–12 months of experience as a 2nd Assistant on a flexo folder gluer, or equivalent converting experience.
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Working knowledge of FFG machine sections: infeed, print stations (plate, anilox, impression), fold section, glue unit, outfeed/counter-ejector.
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Ability to read and interpret job tickets including board specification, print spec, die layout, fold style, and bundle count.
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Basic understanding of corrugated quality standards: acceptable scoring, print defects, glue bond, and dimensional tolerances.
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Comfortable operating at machine speed while maintaining quality awareness — multitasking under production pressure.
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Bilingual English, Mandarin, Spanish a plus
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Completed LOTO certification; able to independently perform LOTO on the FFG.
Physical Requirements
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Frequent lifting and handling of print plates, dies, anilox rolls, and corrugated bundles — up to 60 lbs.
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Standing, walking, and reaching for the full duration of shift (8–12 hours).
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Exposure to ink, glue, and cleaning solvents — appropriate PPE required at all times.
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Required PPE: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, chemical-resistant gloves when handling inks/solvents.
What Success Looks Like-First 90 days
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Executes a full changeover alongside the Operator with minimal direction; changeover time is within the target range for the job type.
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Catches a print registration or glue placement issue during a first-article check and correctly holds the job pending Operator review.
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Demonstrates correct glue system setup independently for at least three different job configurations.
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Directs the 2nd Assistant effectively — clear, calm communication on stacking, quality pulls, and safety expectations.
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Logs downtime events accurately and completely for every event on the shift.
Advancement Path
1st Assistant Operator. Advancement requires demonstrated ability to set up and run a job independently, including first-article approval, in-process quality management, and clean handoff at shift end. Supervisor sign-off and a documented competency verification are required before advancement.
Working Conditions
Plant Site
Attributes for Success
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Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
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Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
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Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
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Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
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Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
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Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.
ND Packaging Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
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Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
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Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
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Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
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A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
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Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.
Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by 2026 Benefits . Come be a part of our team and grow with us!
Apply
Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers
No unsolicited resumes - ND Packaging does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Packaging. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Packaging, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.
