Indigo Operator

Hatteras Press Inc; Tinton Falls (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401K with company match

Job summary

Hatteras Press Inc is seeking a Digital Press Operator to run our HP Indigo B2 sheetfed fleet (12000, 15K, 100K) and B3 equipment. You will ensure high-quality output across coated, uncoated and synthetic stocks, performing setup, calibration, color matching and job ticket verification.

The role requires experience with HP Indigo presses and digital front ends (PrintOS Production Pro, SmartStream), strong color management skills, and the ability to maintain continuous production while meeting

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• HP Indigo press experience (12000/15K/100K or 7600).
• Willing to train and learn as needed.
• Familiar with digital front end RIP workflows (PrintOS Production Pro, SmartStream).
• Understanding of color management – ICC profiles, Pantone matching.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the HP Indigo presses; maintain color and quality.
• Load, queue and release jobs via the digital front end, verify imposition and finishing marks.
• Perform color calibrations and verify output against proofs and color standards.
• Operate ink stations including IndiChrome inks and spot colors; perform ink changes.
• Set up feeders and stackers for coated, uncoated, synthetic stocks.
• Inspect prints for artefacts; monitor defect detection and reprint as needed.
• Maintain continuous production on the 100K; replenish substrates and consumables.
• Perform routine press maintenance and escalate faults when needed.
• Track consumables usage and report inventory levels.
• Coordinate with Pressroom Manager to prioritize jobs and adjust schedules.

Skills

HP Indigo press

Color management

RIP workflow

Mechanical aptitude

Quality inspection

Job tickets & specs

Ink/press maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PrintOS Production Pro

SmartStream

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The Digital Press Operator is responsible for producing digitally printed client projects in compliance with job specifications while adhering to the high standards of quality that Hatteras is known for. The role runs our HP Indigo B2 sheetfed fleet — the 12000, 15K and 100K — along with our B3 equipment, across coated, uncoated and synthetic stocks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Press set-up and operation. Set up and operate the digital presses — HP Indigo 12000, 15K and 100K — for print jobs, ensuring proper quality and color standards are achieved throughout each run.
• Job and file handling. Load, queue and release jobs through the digital front end (PrintOS Production Pro / SmartStream), confirming imposition, page count, duplex set-up, bleeds and finishing marks against the job ticket before the run starts.
• Color calibration. Properly perform any necessary color calibrations, including ink and image-placement calibration on schedule and whenever stock, conditions or press state change. Verify output against the approved proof, ICC profile and house color standard.
• Ink stations and specialty ElectroInk. Run 4-color, EPM and extended ink-station configurations — IndiChrome and IndiChrome Plus spot colors, Premium White, fluorescents, invisible and digital matte inks — and perform ink changeovers and system purges correctly when switching.
• Substrate set-up. Select and set up feeder and stacker for coated, uncoated, synthetic and heavyweight stocks across the B2 sheet range, including thick-substrate and one‑shot modes, priming requirements and certified media handling.
• Quality inspection. Visually inspect images for artefacts (banding, mottling, streaking, ghosting, background) and for color shifts during printing, and make any adjustments as necessary. Monitor automatic defect detection and alerting on the 15K and 100K, and verify that ejected sheets are reprinted and accounted for.
• Image alignment. Make sure images are properly aligned to the sheet in order to ensure consistent cutting, die-cutting, sewing, etc., including front‑to‑back registration and side‑to‑side alignment adjustments.
• Non‑stop production on the 100K. Keep the 100K in continuous production during long runs — replenishing substrate, ink and consumables and sequencing the queue so high‑volume work runs without avoidable stoppages.
• Press maintenance. Maintain proper daily care of machinery, following all safety standards — PIP and blanket replacement, binary ink developer (BID) care, imaging oil and ink levels, cleaning routines and scheduled maintenance. Escalate faults beyond operator level through remote support and the Digital Pressroom Manager.
• Consumables and reporting. Track impressions, consumable usage and waste by job, and flag low stock on inks, blankets, PIPs and imaging oil before it affects the schedule.
• Scheduling. Coordinate with the Digital Pressroom Manager to produce and prioritize jobs and, when necessary, reorganize the schedule to meet deadline changes and updates.
• Various duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• HP Indigo press experience needed — 12000, 15K, 100K or 7600.
• Some experience required and willing to train.
• Familiarity with a digital front end / RIP workflow (PrintOS Production Pro, SmartStream or similar) and the ability to read a job ticket against a proof.
• Working understanding of color management — calibration routines, ICC profiles, spectrophotometer readings and Pantone / extended-gamut matching.
• Operator‑level press maintenance ability: PIP and blanket changes, BID handling, ink changeover and jam clearing.
• Having some knowledge of graphic arts and printing industry is very beneficial to this position.
• Working knowledge of digital printing procedures.
• This position also requires a mechanical background, the ability to work independently and good working knowledge of the computer.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match, and other voluntary benefits offered

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute their best work.