Printer Operator

Job Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Job Summary: The Printer Operator will maintain and operate a wide-format printer, ensuring high-quality print output and efficient workflow.  The operator will be crucial in managing materials, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with the design and production teams to meet project deadlines.  

Essential Functions: 

1. Communicate/Customer Interface: 
   1. Communicate with management, sales team, and production and installation departments to provide our clients with a product that meets their expectations.
   2. Works with account representative and sales team to determine customer needs and expectations
   3. Returns emails and phone calls from internal and external customers the same day.
2. Printer Operation:
   1. Set up and operate the wide format printer for various print jobs.
   2. Monitor the printing process to ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.
3. Material Management:
   1. Manage and prepare media and substrates for printing, ensuring proper loading and alignment.
   2. Maintain accurate inventory of printing supplies and materials, ensuring adequate ink inventory.
4. Quality Control:
   1. Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of the printer to ensure optimal performance.
   2. Schedule and follow up on necessary repairs with technical support when required.
5. Collaboration:
   1. Works closely with designers, the sales team, and production and installation staff to understand project requirements and timelines and ensure that customer expectations are met.
   2. Provide suggestions for improvement and efficiency in the printing process.
6. Documentation:
   1. Maintain a detailed record of print jobs, material used and maintenance activities.
   2. Ensure compliance with safety and operational procedures.
7. Other: 
   1. Read and interpret shop drawings.
   2. Train and advise any team members for cross-training 
   3. Finishing may involve laminating, encapsulating or mounting pieces
   4. Prepare substrates for vinyl applications which may involve cutting, painting, laminating and cleaning
   5. Other duties include reviewing artwork files, producing proofs and renditions, verifying colors and accuracy of client-requested signage, marketing collateral and promotional products.
8. Compliance and Safety:
   1. Ensure the printer is operated following all safety standards and regulations.
   2. Adherence to all mandated safety procedures, including driving policy, production area safety requirements, and fire safety
   3. Safety requires all employees to review materials provided by the Company related to any updates on safety procedures
   4. Informs management of any safety-related issues
9. Additional Duties:
   1. Perform other related duties as assigned by management to support the overall objectives of the company.

Competencies:

1. Ability to understand shop drawings.
2. Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous issues simultaneously
3. Customer/Client Focus
4. Organized, detail and results-oriented
5. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make good decisions based on the best interests of the company
6. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times
7. Strong sense of urgency to complete tasks on time
8. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
9. Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
10. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment 
11. Time management
12. Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel) and database software
13. Ethical conduct
14. Collaboration skills

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Hearing protection and safety eyewear are required, and additional specific safety equipment may be required.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to perform the following activities: 

1. Standing.
2. Walking.  Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
3. Fingering.  Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers.
4. Grasping.  Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
5. Talking.  Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word.
6. Hearing.  Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.  Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and make discrimination in sound.
7. Reaching: Extending hands and arms in all directions
8. Forward bending, squatting, overhead reaching, kneeling/crawling, and climbing
9. Lifting: Up to 50 pounds and team lifting to 75 pounds
10. Pushing and pulling
11. Moderate level of hand-to-eye coordination and dexterity, including picking, pinching, holding, grasping and repetitive flexion/rotation
12. Visual Acuity.  To perform close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer monitor, extensive reading, and visual inspection

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position with overtime as required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel:  This position requires up to 10% travel, including domestic and international travel.

Educational Requirements:

1. High school diploma or GED; relevant technical training or certification is a plus.

Knowledge Requirements:

1. Previous experience operating large-format printers, preferably Latex models.
2. Strong understanding of color management, printing processes, and materials used in wide-format printing.
3. Technical aptitude for troubleshooting printers and familiarity with basic maintenance.
4. Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
5. Basic Math and Computing knowledge
6. Ability to read and interpret shop drawings/blueprints
7. Positive can-do attitude and team player
8. Experience working with ONYX, Caldera, Adobe Illustrator or another RIP Software
9. Our preference typically is for designers with sign experience, then candidates that have experience in pre-press, creative, label, 3-D, etc., if their skill set is compatible with sign design
10. Demonstrated ability to set up the machine and run the job with minimal supervision
11. Knowledge of OSHA standards regarding Personal Protective Equipment, Hazard Communication, Hand/Power tool operation, Forklift, Crane and material handling

General Disclaimer:  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  Other duties may be assigned as needed by the Company.   Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Allen Industries is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital, disability, or veteran status.

Employee signature below constitutes the employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.

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Employee’s Signature                                                                         Date