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Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Also called: Cup Room Technician, Folder Machine Operator, Paper Machine Backtender, Paper Machine Operator

What they do:

Set up, operate, or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions, such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming, or sealing paper or paperboard sheets into products.

On the job, you would:
  • Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
  • Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
  • Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Quark enterprise publishing software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $45,710

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.