Printing Foil Machine Operator

Description:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Printing Foil Machine Operator to join our print finishing team in Ajman, UAE. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining hot foil stamping and embossing machinery to apply premium decorative finishes (metallic, holographic, pigment foil) on commercial print products, luxury packaging, business stationery, and promotional items.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

1. Machine Setup & Preparation

• Set up and calibrate hot foil stamping and embossing machines according to job orders and client specifications.
• Mount and align foiling dies, blocks, and plates accurately onto the machine.
• Adjust settings including heat temperature, pressure, dwell time, and foil tension to match specific paper or packaging materials.
• Load raw materials (foil rolls, paper stock, cardboard, rigid boxes) into feeding units.

2. Machine Operation & Production

• Operate the foiling machine smoothly throughout production runs to ensure steady output.
• Apply metallic, holographic, or pigment foils with precise registration and clean edges.
• Perform embossing and debossing functions when specified in job orders.
• Monitor foil consumption and production speed to reduce material waste and meet deadlines.

3. Quality Control & Inspection

• Run sample test sheets before starting full production to verify foil adhesion and registration accuracy.
• Conduct continuous visual checks during production to spot defects (such as flaking, misaligned foil, or scuff marks).
• Stop and adjust equipment immediately if output quality falls below company standards.

4. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform daily routine cleaning, oiling, and basic preventive maintenance on the machine.
• Identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical or alignment issues during operating shifts.
• Report major equipment faults or damaged dies to the supervisor immediately.

5. Workplace Safety & Administration

• Follow all company safety procedures, especially when working around high-temperature heating plates and moving mechanical parts.
• Keep the machine station clean, safe, and well-organized.
• Fill out basic daily production reports recording completed quantities, scrap/waste, and shift hours.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: High school diploma, vocational trade certificate, or equivalent.
• Experience:
• Minimum 2+ years of hands-on experience operating hot foil stamping, foiling, or embossing machines in a commercial print shop or packaging facility.
• Prior experience working in the UAE / GCC print industry is an advantage.
• Skills:
• Good understanding of foil properties, temperature/pressure balances, and block setup.
• Strong practical eye for detail, color matching, and registration alignment.
• Physical ability to handle materials and stand during production shifts.
• Languages: Basic working knowledge of English / Tamil / Hindi (spoken and written). Knowledge of Arabic, Malayalam, Hindi, or Urdu is helpful for team coordination.