How to hire a die cutter operator

How to hire a die cutter operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step die cutter operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a die cutter operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new die cutter operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The die cutter operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A die cutter operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, die cutter operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of die cutter operators.

   Type of Die Cutter Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Die Cutter Operator		$14-22
   Production Operator	A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use... Show more	$12-21
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Checks
   • Quality Standards
   • Pallets
   • Basic Math
   • Hand Tools
   • Machine Operation
   • Tape Measure
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Quality Products
   • Safety Guidelines
   • Production Data
   • Quality Issues
   • Flexo
   • Blanker

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Stage jobs in order for shipping and run production reports.
   • Oversee the assistant operator to insure production is ran properly.
   • Train all new hires on appropriate lines including all OSHA and ISO requirements.
   • Construct dies and molds, as well as jigs and other tools to their specify order.
   • Design, create, and modify jigs, fixtures, and gauges to ensure part quality and consistency.
   • Work with injection molding manufacturing hospital product parts -operate machines in departments of extrusion and injection molding -Experience with digital calipers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your die cutter operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A die cutter operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, die cutter operators' average salary in new jersey is 31% less than in vermont.
   • Seniority. Entry-level die cutter operators earn 36% less than senior-level die cutter operators.
   • Certifications. A die cutter operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a die cutter operator's salary.

   Average die cutter operator salary

   $37,822yearly

   $18.18 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level die cutter operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a die cutter operator job description

   A good die cutter operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a die cutter operator job description:

   Die cutter operator job description example

   Job DescriptionProduction opportunities at Quad instill a sense of empowerment and possibility distinct from those at other employers. Quad’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities include world-class automation and binding technology. Our platform gives our clients a full range of options to produce personalized marketing products. Fueled by innovative, interesting days, you’ll find hard work is good work, and feel a deep sense of pride in a job well done – something shared by everyone in the community we call Quad.
   
   The Die Cutter Machine Operator efficiently performs set-up and operates machines that die cut blank and/or pre-printed stock. Responsibilities include confirmation of accuracy and completeness of order, dies, set-up and installation, paper stock, and the load and feed of paper, and the effectiveness and accuracy of cutting, staging completed work per instructions, and area maintenance.
   Work Schedule:
   
   Mon. - Thurs., 3:00pm - 1:00am
   
   Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
   
   
   Follow all Company policies, procedures and guidelines as well as take actions that support team work, safety, contamination control, and efficiency
   Follow the pre-production, make ready, and production run tasks
   Operate powered equipment
   Occasionally train workers on the Die Cutting Machine operations, including the feeding and take off functions
   Ensure the work area is clean, and that non-conforming, over-runs, and/or waste are delivered to the appropriate repository
   Cross-train as assigned
   Follow and adhere to all Personal Protective Equipment rules and regulations
   Perform other responsibilities as assigned
   
   
   Required Qualifications
   
   
   Be able to perform work related math functions (which includes the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide)
   Accurately read and use measuring devices
   Experience with hand tools
   Have sufficient skill and experience with troubleshooting
   Must be able to multi-task
   Must be able to lift 10-15 pounds continuously, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
   Have the ability to stand long hours, stop, crouch, kneel, crawl, climb and use hands and wrists continuously in controlled movement
   Good verbal and written comprehension, with ability to receive and follow instructions
   Ability to thrive in a team environment and work independently with minimal supervision
   
   
   Preferred Qualifications
   
   
   Experience with Bobst/Heidelberg Die Cut Machinery
   Some supervisory experience a plus
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Additional Company Information
   
   
   
   
   
   We offer excellent benefits to eligible employees, including 401(k), holidays, vacations and more.
   
   
   
   Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating a place of belonging — a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.
   
   
   
   Drug Free Workplace

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find die cutter operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any die cutter operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level die cutter operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your die cutter operator job on Zippia to find and recruit die cutter operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with die cutter operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new die cutter operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the die cutter operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new die cutter operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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