Digital Print Operator

AppleOne Employment Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

AppleOne Employment Services is seeking a Digital Print Operator to join a San Diego-based commercial printer. You will set up variable data print jobs, operate digital press equipment, run FusionPro or similar VDP software, and ensure high quality output for direct mail campaigns.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to manage multiple jobs, and collaboration with prepress, account management, and finishing teams to meet schedules in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in digital printing (commercial printing/direct mail)
• Experience with Variable Data Printing (VDP) workflows required or highly preferred
• FusionPro experience strongly preferred; other VDP/personalization platforms considered
• Familiarity with digital production presses and RIP/workflow software
• Understanding of PDFs, print-ready artwork, databases, and personalized print production

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor digital production printing equipment for commercial print and direct mail projects.
• Prepare and process Variable Data Printing (VDP) jobs using FusionPro or similar variable-data software.
• Review customer files, databases, PDFs, artwork, and production specifications prior to printing.
• Merge variable data with print templates for personalized letters, postcards, envelopes, mailers, and other marketing materials.
• Perform preflight checks and identify potential file, data, formatting, or production issues before jobs reach the press.
• Set up print jobs according to specifications including paper stock, size, quantity, finishing requirements, and variable-data elements.
• Monitor print quality throughout production, checking for proper registration, color consistency, image quality, personalization, and data accuracy.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment, file, and workflow issues to minimize production delays.
• Coordinate with account management, prepress, mailing, bindery/finishing, and production teams to keep projects moving on schedule.
• Maintain accurate job documentation and production records.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic preventative maintenance.
• Follow established quality-control, safety, and production procedures.

Skills

Digital printing

Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Print production

Quality control

Tools

FusionPro

Fiery

RIP/workflow software

Xerox

Canon

Job description

Job Title: Digital Print Operator – Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Location: San Diego, CA 92126

Salary: $56,160 - $66,560 annually

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Industry: Commercial Printing & Direct Mail

Position

Overview

A well-established commercial printing and direct mail company in San Diego is seeking an experienced Digital Print Operator to join its production team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast-paced print environment and has hands‑on experience with digital printing, Variable Data Printing (VDP), and personalized direct mail production. Experience with FusionPro is highly preferred, although candidates with comparable VDP or variable-data software experience are encouraged to apply. The Digital Print Operator will be responsible for preparing files, setting up variable-data jobs, operating digital production equipment, monitoring print quality, and helping ensure projects are completed accurately and on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• -Set up, operate, and monitor digital production printing equipment for commercial print and direct mail projects.
• -Prepare and process Variable Data Printing (VDP) jobs using FusionPro or similar variable-data software.
• -Review customer files, databases, PDFs, artwork, and production specifications prior to printing.
• -Merge variable data with print templates for personalized letters, postcards, envelopes, mailers, and other marketing materials.
• -Perform preflight checks and identify potential file, data, formatting, or production issues before jobs reach the press.
• -Set up print jobs according to specifications including paper stock, size, quantity, finishing requirements, and variable-data elements.
• -Monitor print quality throughout production, checking for proper registration, color consistency, image quality, personalization, and data accuracy.
• -Troubleshoot basic equipment, file, and workflow issues to minimize production delays.
• -Coordinate with account management, prepress, mailing, bindery/finishing, and -production teams to keep projects moving on schedule.
• -Maintain accurate job documentation and production records.
• -Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic preventative maintenance.
• -Follow established quality-control, safety, and production procedures.

Qualifications

• -Previous experience in digital printing, commercial printing, direct mail, or print production strongly preferred.
• -Experience with Variable Data Printing (VDP) workflows required or highly preferred.
• -FusionPro experience strongly preferred; experience with comparable VDP/personalization platforms will also be considered.
• -Familiarity with digital production presses and RIP/workflow software.
• -Understanding of PDFs, print-ready artwork, databases, variable fields, and personalized print production.
• -Direct mail or mailing-production experience is a plus.
• -Strong attention to detail and ability to catch errors before they reach final production.
• -Comfortable managing multiple print jobs and deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• -Basic mechanical and troubleshooting ability.
• -Dependable, organized, quality-focused, and able to work effectively as part of a production team.

Ideal Background

Candidates coming from commercial print shops, digital print centres, direct mail companies, marketing production companies, or high-volume in-plant print environments are especially encouraged to apply.

Experience with platforms or equipment such as FusionPro, Fiery, Xerox, Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP digital presses, or similar digital production technology is valuable.

Why Join?

Join an established San Diego printing organization where your technical print-production skills will have an immediate impact. This position offers the opportunity to work with a variety of commercial print and direct mail projects while expanding your expertise in VDP, digital production, personalization, and automated print workflows.

Confidential Search:

Company information will be provided to qualified candidates during theinterview process.

This role is responsible for operating digital production printing equipment and managing Variable Data Printing (VDP) jobs for commercial print and direct mail projects. The Digital Print Operator will prepare and review files, merge variable data with print templates, perform preflight checks, monitor print quality, troubleshoot production issues, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure projects are completed accurately and on schedule. Ideal candidates will have experience in digital printing, commercial print production, direct mail, or VDP workflows, with FusionPro experience strongly preferred. Knowledge of digital presses, RIP/workflow software, PDFs, databases, personalized print production, and quality control processes is highly desirable, along with strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, basic mechanical aptitude, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans