Print Packager and Machine Operator (afternoon shift)
Location: Burlington, ON
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Shift: Starts on Day Shift for initial training, transitioning to Afternoon Shift (approx. 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM) once integrated; flexibility for day/afternoon coverage is required.
Compensation: $20.00 – $26.00/hour (Commensurate with experience)
- Experienced Candidates: Higher starting pay for individuals with direct, hands-on experience running stand-alone large format finishing machines.
- Trainees: Competitive entry rate with structured wage growth as machine training milestones are met.
- Shift Premium: 10% shift premium when working afternoon shifts. Benefits: Comprehensive Benefits Package & Health Care Spending Account.
Company Overview
Category 5 is well known for big, awesome print and install projects for some of Canada’s most iconic brands. For over 15 years, Category 5 has been providing high quality creative experiences for their customers to help them share their messages and tell their brand story through majestic, awe-inspiring visual solutions. As one of the first, fully digital, full-service large format printers in Canada we produce all types of large format print materials including billboards, banners, murals, posters, vehicle wraps and more. We are very proud of the growing list of partners we serve and our growing team.
Position Overview
This dynamic dual role blends hands-on Fulfillment & Packaging duties with a structured path to becoming a skilled Standalone Machine Operator in our Finishing Department.
You will start on the day shift to master our core packaging, kitting, and hand-finishing operations. As you build foundational knowledge, you will be cross-trained on our standalone finishing equipment. Once trained, you will transition to the Afternoon Shift, serving as a resource for finishing operations and fulfillment.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Packaging, Kitting & Fulfillment Operations
- Read and accurately interpret production dockets to identify material and finishing requirements.
- Locate, retrieve, and track inventory and raw materials needed for jobs.
- Execute manual finishing tasks: applying tape, folding, grommeting, gluing, and kitting printed products to exact client specifications.
- Pack finished products securely to prevent damage during transit.
- Label, organize, and prepare final packages according to shipping guidelines.
- Inspect finished products for quality and defect-free edges (trimming excess laminates as needed).
- Transport finished products between buildings via company-provided vehicles, ensuring afternoon print runs are moved to the finishing building at the end of the day.
2. Standalone Finishing Machine Operation (Trainee to Operator)
- Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standalone finishing equipment, including:
- Kongsberg Digital Cutting Tables
- Fotoba Cutters
- Large Format Laminators
- Perform quality-control checks during machine runs for accuracy against docket specs.
- Proactively report non-conformance, material defects, or mechanical errors to management.
3. Workflow & Administration
- Record all job tracking, material usage, and labor data in Pace (company docket system).
- Communicate with the day shift Print Supervisor to review schedules and proactively prepare equipment and resources for the incoming shift.
- Collaborate across teams (Prepress, Customer Service, and Afternoon Printing) for smooth operations and hit timeline targets.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation following all Health & Safety guidelines.
Requirements and Behavioral Attributes:
- To succeed in this position, candidates should have exceptional communication, computer, and problem-solving skills. You should be resourceful, analytical, adaptable, and organized with the ability to build rapport with coworkers, sales and management.
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
- Strong desire to learn and accept direction.
- Curious and eager to grow.
- Team player who works positively with others.
- Willingness to work overtime as required.
- Strong problem-solving skills to present solutions and recommendations to the team
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, continually prioritizing and multi-tasking
- Strong communications skills, both written and verbal.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Prior experience in fulfillment, packaging, assembly, or finishing within a print/manufacturing environment is preferred. Candidates with direct, proven experience operating Kongsberg tables, Fotoba cutters, or laminators are preferred.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Strong hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude with an eagerness to learn complex machinery.
- Physical Requirements: Physically fit and capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. Comfortable standing, walking, bending, and lifting for extended periods.
- Driver's License: Valid driver’s license required for occasional inter-building transfers using company vehicle.
- Shift Flexibility: Must be able to start on day shift for training and transition to Afternoon Shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM). Willingness to work overtime or occasional weekends as production requires.
Category 5 is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages applications from all interested parties. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We ask applicants who require accommodation at any stage in the process to please let us know so we can best meet your needs to ensure fair and equitable access throughout the recruitment and selection process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help screen and/or assess applications for this role. This is for an existing role on the team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.00-$26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Burlington, ON L7T 4A8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
