JOB SUMMARY:
BindTech’s Indianapolis facility is hiring Bindery Operators at two levels, with placement based on each candidate’s experience.
The Bindery Operator Trainee is an entry-level, paid training position for candidates with mechanical ability who are new to the printing and bindery trade. Trainees learn to set up, operate, and maintain perfect binders and related finishing equipment under the direction of an experienced Sr. Binder Operator. No bindery or printing experience is required — we train.
The Bindery/Perfect Binder Operator is a skilled position responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the perfect binder to produce high-quality bound books and other printed materials. Both levels require attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
COMPENSATION AND SCHEDULE:
1st shift, full-time, with overtime available during peak production.
· Manufacturing Operator Trainee: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour, based on experience. Trainees are eligible for wage review at 90 days and again at six months as they take on independent responsibility.
· Bindery/Perfect Binder Operator: $27.00 – $29.00 per hour, based on experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manufacturing Operator Trainee:
– Learn and perform machine setup on perfect binders and related finishing equipment under supervision, working toward independent setup.
– Operate binding equipment to produce books and printed materials, meeting quality and output standards.
– Perform routine maintenance tasks — cleaning, lubrication, and scheduled checks as directed.
– Inspect bound books and printed materials for defects and escalate quality issues to the Sr. Operator.
– Assist with material handling, loading, and staging of stock at the machine.
– Report mechanical issues, unusual noises, or malfunctions promptly; assist the Sr. Operator and third-party maintenance personnel with troubleshooting.
Bindery/Perfect Binder Operator:
1. Machine Setup and Operation:
– Prepare and set up book binding machines according to job specifications and production schedules.
– Operate book-binding machines to produce books and other printed materials, ensuring high-quality output.
2. Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
– Perform routine machine maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
– Work closely with third-party maintenance and preventative care personnel.
– Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues or malfunctions that may occur during the binding process.
3. Quality Control:
– Inspect bound books and printed materials for defects and ensure they meet quality standards.
– Adjust machine settings to correct any issues and maintain consistent quality.
4. Production Management:
– Monitor production output to meet production goals and deadlines.
– Collaborate with other team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of projects.
– Assign work and/or assist other personnel working on the machine, including Trainees.
5. Safety and Compliance:
– Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
– Comply with company policies and procedures, including those related to machine operation and maintenance.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
· Comply with BindTech safety policies and procedures.
· Perform other tasks as assigned.
SKILLS:
· Previous bindery or bookbinding equipment experience is a plus but not required.
· Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
· Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
· Good communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
· Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
· Manufacturing/Printing facility with exposure to machinery noise.
· Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
· Trainee: No bindery, printing, or machine operator experience required. Demonstrated mechanical ability — comfort with hand tools, an interest in how machines work, and the ability to learn equipment adjustments.
· Operator: Hands-on mechanical experience required. Bindery or print-finishing experience is preferred but not required — we will train the right candidate on our equipment.
· Mechanical experience from outside the printing industry is welcome and encouraged at both levels, including:
o Automotive, diesel, or small-engine mechanics.
o Military maintenance, aviation, or motor-pool roles.
o Production line, packaging, warehouse, or other equipment-operating work.
o Trade or vocational school training in industrial maintenance, machining, welding, or mechanics.
· High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
· Reliable attendance and a solid work history.
TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT:
All new hires are paired with an experienced Sr. Binder Operator on 1st shift.
Manufacturing Operator Trainee:
· Days 1–30 — Safety, plant orientation, material handling, quality standards, and assisting at the machine.
· Days 31–90 — Supervised operation, routine maintenance tasks, and basic machine adjustments. Wage review at 90 days.
· Months 4–12 — Progressively independent setup and changeover, quality troubleshooting, and readiness assessment for promotion to Bindery/Perfect Binder Operator.
· Trainees who demonstrate proficiency are the primary internal candidates for Bindery/Perfect Binder Operator openings, which currently pay $27.00 – $29.00 per hour.
Bindery/Perfect Binder Operator:
New Operators complete a structured onboarding period of approximately 90 days covering machine setup, quality standards, safety procedures, and routine maintenance on our equipment. Operators who demonstrate proficiency are eligible for wage review as they take on independent setup and troubleshooting responsibility.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
· Ability to move or traverse the facilities.
· Standing: may stand for 70–95% of the time.
· Walking: may walk for 10–15% of the time.
· Lifting: may lift and carry items that weigh 5–30 pounds on average, and up to 45 pounds or more occasionally. Most items are carried by hand and lifted to knee or waist level, but some may need to be lifted to chest level or overhead.
· Reaching: may reach with their hands and arms.
· Use of hands: may use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. They may also need to grasp, move, or assemble small objects, and make fast, repeated movements with their fingers, hands, and wrists.
· Vision: may need close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. They may also need to see details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities or may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The employee acknowledges that they understand the functional and physical requirements of the position and confirms that they can perform them with or without reasonable accommodation. While this is intended to accurately reflect the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
