Department: Production / Printing Press / Binding
Reporting To: Production Supervisor / Binding In-Charge / Production Manager

Job Summary: The Aster Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining Aster stitching machines used in printing press and bookbinding operations. The operator ensures accurate stitching, proper alignment, high-quality finishing, smooth machine performance, and timely completion of production targets while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation
• Operate Aster stitching machine for books, notebooks, and printed materials.
• Set up machine according to job specifications and production requirements.
• Adjust stitching heads, wire tension, side guides, and delivery settings.
• Ensure proper feeding and smooth operation during production.
• Monitor machine performance continuously during running jobs.

Production Activities
• Read and understand job cards and production instructions.
• Handle different paper sizes, GSM, and printed materials efficiently.
• Ensure correct stitching position, folding, and alignment.
• Achieve daily production targets with minimum downtime.
• Coordinate with printing, folding, and cutting departments.

Quality Control
• Inspect stitched products for proper pinning and finishing quality.
• Check stitch strength, alignment, page sequence, and trimming accuracy.
• Identify and segregate defective or damaged materials.
• Maintain customer-required finishing standards.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Perform routine cleaning and lubrication of Aster machine.
• Replace stitching wire coils and consumables when required.
• Troubleshoot minor operational issues during production.
• Report major machine breakdowns to maintenance team.

Safety & Housekeeping
• Follow factory safety procedures and PPE guidelines.
• Ensure safe handling of moving machine parts.
• Maintain cleanliness around machine and work area.
• Follow fire safety and electrical safety practices.

Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain daily production and machine operation records.
• Record wastage, downtime, and maintenance activities.
• Update production status to supervisor regularly.
• Ensure proper shift handover reporting.

Required Skills
Technical Skills
• Knowledge of Aster stitching machine operation
• Bookbinding and finishing process knowledge
• Machine setup and adjustment
• Stitching quality inspection
• Preventive maintenance knowledge
• Troubleshooting ability

Soft Skills
• Attention to detail
• Team coordination
• Time management
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under production pressure

Educational Qualification
• ITI or technical certification preferred

Experience
• 2–5 years experience in printing press or bookbinding industry preferred
• Experience operating Aster stitching or binding machines

Preferred Industry Experience
• Printing Press
• Book Manufacturing
• Notebook Manufacturing
• Commercial Printing
• Packaging & Publishing Industry

Working Conditions
• Printing press / binding department environment
• Rotational shifts may be applicable
• Standing work for extended periods
• Exposure to machine noise and production activities

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Production target achievement
• Stitching quality accuracy
• Reduction in rejection and wastage
• Machine uptime efficiency
• Timely job completion
• Safety compliance

Salary Range (India – Approx.)
• Fresher: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000/month
• Experienced Operator: ₹22,000 – ₹35,000/month
• Senior Aster Operator: ₹35,000+/month