Experienced HP 6K Label Press Operator

Graphic Trade Printers; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Graphic Trade Printers in Greensboro, NC is seeking an experienced HP Indigo 6K Digital Press Operator to join our label manufacturing team. You will set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the HP Indigo 6K, ensuring on-time production and adherence to customer specs.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with HP Indigo 6K/6000-series presses, strong color management, substrate knowledge, and a commitment to quality.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating HP Indigo digital presses, preferably the 6K/6000-series.
• Strong knowledge of color management, substrate types, and print quality standards.
• HP Indigo operator certification is preferred but not required with strong practical skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press for label production.
• Review job tickets and specifications before running jobs.
• Load materials, manage substrates, and prepare press for production.
• Perform color calibration and maintain color accuracy across runs.
• Monitor print quality, registration, ink coverage, and defects.
• Perform routine press maintenance and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain production records and coordinate with Prepress, Production, QC, and Finishing.

Skills

HP Indigo press experience

Color management

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Press maintenance

Quick troubleshooting

RIP workflow familiarity

Tools

HP Indigo workflow/RIP

HP PrintOS

Esko workflow

PIPs and press consumables

Job description

HP Indigo 6K Digital Press Operator

We are seeking an experienced and dependable HP Indigo 6K Digital Press Operator to join our growing label manufacturing operation. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating HP Indigo digital presses, preferably the HP Indigo 6000 Series / 6K, and a strong understanding of digital label production, color management, substrates, press maintenance, and quality control. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the HP Indigo 6K while ensuring jobs are completed accurately, efficiently, and according to production schedules and customer specifications.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press for pressure-sensitive label production.
• Review job tickets, artwork specifications, quantities, colors, substrates, and production requirements before running jobs.
• Load and manage rolls of label materials and other substrates.
• Set up jobs through the HP Indigo workflow/RIP and prepare the press for production.
• Perform color calibration and maintain consistent color throughout production runs.
• Monitor print quality, color accuracy, registration, ink coverage, defects, and consistency.
• Make press adjustments as necessary to maintain production and quality standards.
• Perform daily, weekly, and scheduled HP Indigo preventive maintenance.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot common press, print-quality, substrate, and mechanical issues.
• Maintain press uptime while minimizing material waste and production downtime.
• Monitor ElectroInk, imaging components, blankets, PIPs, BID units, and other press consumables.
• Maintain accurate production records, including job quantities, waste, downtime, and material usage.
• Work closely with Prepress, Production, Quality Control, and Finishing departments to keep jobs moving efficiently.
• Inspect finished print samples before releasing jobs to the finishing department.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe pressroom.
• Assist with inventory management of inks, substrates, consumables, and press supplies.
• Follow established production procedures and quality-control standards.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives to increase press productivity, reduce waste, and improve print quality.

Qualifications:

• Previous HP Indigo press operating experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with HP Indigo 6K, 6800, 6900, or other 6000-Series presses is highly preferred.
• Experience in digital label and pressure-sensitive label production is a major plus.
• HP Indigo operator certification is preferred but not required for candidates with strong hands-on experience.
• Knowledge of color management, calibration, registration, and print-quality standards.
• Understanding of label substrates, including paper, films, PET, BOPP, and specialty materials.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Comfortable performing routine press maintenance and minor repairs.
• Basic computer skills and experience working with digital print workflows/RIP systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing consistent, high-quality work.
• Ability to read and follow job tickets and production specifications.
• Ability to prioritize multiple jobs in a fast-paced production environment.
• Dependable, organized, and able to work independently as well as part of a production team.

Preferred Experience:

Candidates with experience in any of the following will receive additional consideration:

• HP Indigo 6K / 6900 / 6800.
• Pressure-sensitive labels.
• Direct thermal label materials.
• Pharmaceutical or prescription labels.
• Variable-data printing.
• Color matching and PMS colors.
• HP PrintOS.
• Esko workflow.
• Label converting and finishing equipment.
• Semi-rotary or rotary die cutting.
• Flexographic coating or varnishing.
• Slitting and rewinding.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and work around production equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform routine press maintenance.
• Ability to safely lift and move materials and press supplies as required.
• Ability to work safely around moving machinery and production equipment.

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of the press and production quality. The successful candidate should be able to identify problems before they become production issues, keep the HP Indigo operating efficiently, minimize waste, and consistently produce high-quality labels on schedule.