Stitcher Operator

Salary: $25 to $32 per hour

Shift: Full Time, onsite. Exact shift hours to be confirmed.

Equipment: Müller Martini saddle stitching equipment, including Fox 321, Minuteman 3, and Primera MC.

Job Description: Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Stitcher Machine Operator to join an established commercial printing and bindery operation near Mountainside, New Jersey. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, adjusting, and maintaining saddle stitching equipment to produce high quality booklets, catalogs, brochures, and other finished printed materials.

The ideal candidate will have experience operating Müller Martini saddle stitchers or similar equipment, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to troubleshoot machinery while maintaining production quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, adjust, and operate saddle stitching equipment
• Review job tickets, production specifications, and customer requirements
• Prepare and load printed signatures into machine pockets in the proper sequence
• Adjust stitching heads, feeders, trimmers, and related machine components
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain production efficiency
• Inspect stitched books and signatures for accuracy and quality
• Perform regular quality checks and continuity pulls throughout production runs
• Identify and correct stitching, trimming, and gathering defects
• Troubleshoot mechanical problems and equipment malfunctions
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and preventive maintenance
• Minimize production downtime and material waste
• Maintain accurate production records and quality documentation
• Communicate equipment concerns or quality issues to supervisors
• Coordinate with other bindery and production team members to meet scheduled deadlines
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience operating saddle stitching equipment or similar commercial bindery machinery
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities
• Understanding of commercial printing and finishing processes
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and production specifications
• Strong attention to detail and quality control
• Ability to identify and correct machine related production issues
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a production environment
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating Müller Martini saddle stitchers
• Experience with Heidelberg Stitchmaster equipment
• Knowledge of signature gathering, stitching, trimming, and booklet production
• Experience with cutters, folders, collators, or other bindery equipment
• Experience performing preventive maintenance and minor mechanical repairs
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and handling of printed materials
• Ability to safely work around moving industrial equipment
• Strong manual dexterity and visual accuracy