Process Engineer – Dry Offset Printing (Kase / Desco Platforms)
Position Summary
The Process Engineer – Dry Offset Printing is responsible for the technical ownership, process stability, and continuous improvement of dry offset printing operations utilizing Kase Equipment and Desco dry offset presses used for decorating plastic containers.
This role ensures printing processes are capable, repeatable, and optimized for safety, print quality, throughput, and cost. The engineer serves as the primary technical resource for plate setup, blanket condition, ink transfer systems, mandrel handling, and curing performance on Kase and Desco printing lines.
The position works closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to improve OEE, print quality, and press reliability.
Core Responsibilities
Dry Offset Press Process Ownership
Own the process performance of Kase and Desco dry offset printing presses, including:
- Plate cylinder setup and alignment
- Blanket condition, pressure, and replacement intervals
- Ink transfer systems and metering rolls
- Ink viscosity and temperature control
- Registration and color alignment
- Mandrel/container handling systems
- UV or thermal curing performance
Establish and maintain standard operating process windows for each printing line.
Develop and standardize press setup procedures and operator training to improve consistency in plate mounting, ink setup, and registration.
Print Quality & Defect Reduction
Monitor and improve key print quality metrics including:
- Registration accuracy
- Ink adhesion
- Color consistency
- Ink coverage and density
- Print clarity
Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for defects common in dry offset printing such as:
- Ghosting
- Ink smearing
- Poor transfer
- Color mis-registration
- Pinholes
- Adhesion failures
- Plate wear related defects
Equipment Optimization – Kase & Desco Platforms
Serve as the technical expert for:
- Plate mounting systems
- Blanket cylinder systems
- Ink drum and transfer roll assemblies
- Mandrel timing and container transfer
- Cure system performance
- Vision inspection and print quality monitoring systems
Partner with Maintenance to improve:
- Press reliability
- Preventive maintenance standards
- Wear component life (blankets, plates, transfer rolls)
OEE Improvement
Lead initiatives to improve:
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- First Acceptance / Right First Time
- Scrap reduction
- Press speed stability
- Changeover efficiency
Use structured problem solving including:
- Root Cause Analysis
- 5-Why
- DMAIC
- Statistical Process Control
Materials & Ink Performance
Work with suppliers and Quality teams to manage:
- Ink viscosity and rheology
- Adhesion performance
- Surface energy requirements
- Plate durability
- Blanket material performance
Lead trials for:
- New inks and coatings
- Plate technologies
- Process improvements
Technical Qualifications
Experience with:
- Dry offset printing processes
- Kase Equipment dry offset presses
- Desco dry offset presses
- Plastic container or packaging decoration
- Ink transfer systems and color control
- Print defect troubleshooting
- Statistical process control
Preferred experience in high-speed packaging or container manufacturing environments.
Key Performance Metrics
Success in this role will be measured through improvements in:
- OEE on printing lines
- Print defect rate
- Scrap reduction
- First acceptance rate
- Changeover efficiency
- Press uptime
Salary Range: $85k - 105k
What we offer:
Healthcare
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Wellness
Disability coverage
401k match
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
Life insurance
PTO (Paid Time off)
12 Holidays
Gerresheimer/Centor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants and employees for all positions without regards to race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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