Print Machine Operator

Theo James Recruitment Ltd; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Print Machine Operator role in Darlington offers a hands-on opportunity to set up, operate and adjust printing and roller coating equipment, ensuring consistent finishes. The role emphasizes problem-solving, tolerances, and quality control, with training provided on design and artwork elements while practical machinery experience is priority.

We are seeking an experienced printer with a strong track record in adjusting machine settings, maintaining output quality and supporting trials of new

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience of setting up and operating print machinery.
• Ability to adjust machine settings and troubleshoot quality issues.
• Background in digital, large format, or roller coating printing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Setting up and running printing and coating machinery, including production changeovers.
• Monitoring print quality, colour, registration, texture and coating consistency.
• Investigating defects and adjusting machine settings to resolve production issues.
• Supporting trials of new products, finishes and process settings.
• Recording settings and trial results, working with production, technical and quality teams.
• Preparing and adjusting digital files as required, with training on the relevant software.

Job description

Job Title: Print Machine Operator Salary: £34,000–£38,000 depending on experience Location: Darlington

The Company

We are recruiting a Print Machine Operator for an established manufacturing business investing in specialist printing and roller coating equipment.

This opportunity suits an experienced printer who enjoys setting up machinery, adjusting process settings and solving problems during production. Training can be provided on the design and artwork elements; practical machinery experience is the priority.

The Role

As Print Machine Operator, you will set up, operate and adjust printing and roller coating equipment to produce consistent surface finishes and textures.

The Print Machine Operator will use machine control screens (HMIs) to monitor and adjust settings such as line speed, texture depth, coating weight in grams per square metre (GSM) and UV lamp energy. You will understand how changing one setting affects the finished product and make controlled adjustments to maintain quality.

Key responsibilities for the Print Machine Operator will include:

• Setting up and running printing and coating machinery, including production changeovers.
• Monitoring print quality, colour, registration, texture and coating consistency.
• Investigating defects and adjusting machine settings to resolve production issues.
• Supporting trials of new products, finishes and process settings.
• Recording settings and trial results, working with production, technical and quality teams.
• Preparing and adjusting digital files as required, with training on the relevant software.

Skills and Experience

The Print Machine Operator should bring hands‑on experience of setting up and operating print machinery, with the confidence to adjust settings and troubleshoot quality issues.

• A background in digital, large format, roll‑to‑roll, flatbed, lithographic, flexographic or gravure printing.
• An understanding of machine parameters and how adjustments affect output and quality.
• Confidence using machine control screens and learning unfamiliar equipment.
• Practical problem‑solving skills, attention to detail and a willingness to learn the roller coating process.

Experience with coatings, UV curing, colour management or RIP software would be useful. Photoshop, Illustrator and artwork skills are advantageous and can be developed in the role. Previous experience of the exact equipment or roller coating process is not essential.

Operators from other technical manufacturing processes may also be considered where they can demonstrate strong machine setting and process adjustment experience.

If you are an experienced printer, print setter or Print Machine Operator looking to develop your skills with specialist manufacturing equipment,