Digital Press Operator & Production Lead

Digital Press Operator & Production Lead

Position Overview: We are seeking a technical Digital Press Operator and Production Lead with a deep background in high-volume commercial print and specialty packaging. This role requires a subject matter expert capable of managing the end-to-end production lifecycle—from complex file preflight to final finishing—while maintaining strict color consistency and equipment uptime.

Technical Responsibilities & Duties

Press Operations & Technical Setup

• High-Speed Execution: Operate high-speed digital presses for diverse applications including commercial print, direct mail, business cards, folding cartons, and specialty packaging.
  
• Advanced Makeready: Execute comprehensive press makeready procedures, including substrate loading, ink density adjustments, and precise registration setup prior to every production run.
  
• Color Science Management: Perform expert-level color calibration and verification. Utilize ICC profile management and color profiling to ensure brand-accurate output across varied paper stocks and materials.
  
• Substrate Handling: Conduct substrate testing to achieve accurate results on specialized materials, ensuring substrate integrity throughout high-volume runs.
  

Pre-Press & File Integrity

• Technical Preflight: Review and preflight-check digital files to meet exact press specifications; identify and resolve file-related issues before they reach the production floor.
  
• Workflow Optimization: Coordinate closely with pre-press and bindery teams to ensure a seamless workflow from initial file receipt through finished product delivery.
  

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Mechanical Diagnosis: Troubleshoot and resolve complex press mechanical issues and color discrepancies to minimize downtime.
  
• Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance including deep cleaning, lubrication, and component inspections to maximize press uptime and equipment longevity.
  

Departmental Leadership & Quality Control

• Production Oversight: Manage daily production schedules, job queuing, and on-time delivery across multiple production lines.
  
• Quality Auditing: Pull samples and make real-time adjustments during runs to maintain output standards; perform continuous color consistency and registration inspections.
  
• Administrative Tracking: Maintain detailed production logs, waste tracking reports, and daily output data for management review.
  

Technical Skill Set

• Digital Press Systems: Expert-level operation of high-speed digital printing equipment.
  
• Color Management: Proficiency in color calibration, ICC profiling, and ink density management.
  
• Specialty Applications: Experience in wide-format printing (banners, vehicle wraps, flags), lamination, and folding carton production.
  
• Software/Workflow: Advanced file preflight and preparation; deep understanding of print-ready file specifications.
  
• Equipment Care: Skilled in mechanical adjustments, calibration, and preventative maintenance protocols.
  

Experience Requirements

• Tenure: 5+ years of hands-on experience in digital printing and production leadership.
  
• Environment: Proven success in fast-paced commercial and packaging environments.
  

• EFI Vutek Printer: Model - HS125 - SN - 232103
  
• Tauro: Model - H3300LED UHS - SN - 59292001074
  
• Onset X3: Model - Onset Printer System - SN - 54283