Print Department Lead Technician

NCSL International; Hutchinson (KS); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

NCSL International is seeking a Print Department Operator to manage day-to-day print activities using HP latex, Epson inkjet, and cutting tables. You will create SOPs for processes, materials, safety, and quality while ensuring accurate execution of work orders and tight color control.

Responsibilities include proofreading, inventory coordination, and cross-department collaboration for efficient production. This role emphasizes safety, documentation, and final finish quality.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of our products: color, pattern, size, thickness.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Competent computer skills to operate printers.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Control print-related activities and ensure jobs meet specifications.
• Custom print work orders based on artwork supplied by customer or inside.
• Proofread orders for consistency and accuracy.
• Prepare materials and ensure correct printing processes.
• Maintain documentation, logs, and QC data for each job.
• Keep inventory of raw materials and spare parts.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Train and assist staff on print operations and safety.
• Oversee final finish, trim, and packaging of products.
• Profile media and coordinate color verification checks.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Tape measure reading

MS Office

English literacy

Basic math

Independent work

Team collaboration

Printer operation

Quality control

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

RIP software (GMG/Caldera/OnyX)

Color measurement equipment

Forklift

Job description

Position Description:

This position is responsible for Print Department including HP large format latex printers, Epson proofing inkjet printer, Kongsberg cutting tables and some work on 3D printing. Print Operators are required to follow SOPs, work orders, and verbal instruction to complete the work. This position will lead the print related activities for the department and create standard operating procedures for process, materials, safety, and quality.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Control of Print related activities
• Custom printing of work orders based on customer/inside supplied artwork
• Proofreading orders for consistency and accuracy
• Cleaning and preparation of printable material prior to printing, ensuring jobs are printed correctly
• Maintaining all documentation related to the custom print job, includes defect logs, environmental details, roll inventory and QC information.
• Maintaining adequate inventory levels of all raw materials and machine spare parts needed for the completion of the assigned tasks
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on the equipment
• Complete level 1 and level 2 print training to allow more complex trouble shooting and repairs
• Coordinate with purchasing all materials associated with Print Shop and Cutting Tables
• Assist in the training, evaluation and development of assigned staff
• Maintain quality control samples, print production paperwork, retain samples of all artwork produced, and electronic files of print work.
• Responsible for final finish, trim and packaging

Specific Responsibilities of the Job

• Must follow all material handling practices to ensure non-contamination of product
• Complete printing of assigned jobs and follow written specifications in a timely manner
• Provide Quality Control check on finished product
• Coordinate finishing tasks with other departments as needed
• Responsible for cleaning and maintaining equipment and work area
• Package and store raw materials preventing any material damage.
• Assist with improving processes and controls on Latex, UV and Solvent Printers to conform within G7 guidelines.
• Execute detailed record keeping in regard to color controls and related equipment. Must be able to run all color verification checks.
• Maintain calibration of all critical equipment for data capture on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborate with departments on product development to establish a proofing system for all incoming orders.
• Work closely with Management to define all required processes and provide an understanding of those processes.
• Ability to profile media, run color measurement equipment, intimate knowledge of RIP software, GMG preferred or Caldera or OnyX.
• Pass the Munsell Farnsworth 100 hue test with a score of less than 12.

Job Requirements; Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities -

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job

Basic knowledge of our Products Color, Pattern, Size, Thickness

Ability to work independently and trouble shoot problems as they arise

Competent computer skills required to operate printers

Ability to read and use a tape measure

Microsoft Office proficiency

Good understanding of English, reading & writing skills to allow for accurate completion of work orders and job related documentation.

Basic math skills Quantities, Dimensions, Addition and Subtraction

Ability to follow written and verbal job instructions

Good Attendance

Excellent performance and team working skills

Safety Conscious

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Years of experience: 3 to 5 years in a custom print environment preferred

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is often required to lift up to75 pounds. If needed, mechanical lifts are available to assist with heavy lifts. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers. The employee is often required to walk, reach with arms and hands, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Operation of a powered industrial truck (forklift) is required at times.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Temperature in the print area is controlled; however temperature on the production floor can range from mid fifty degrees in the winter to over one-hundred degrees in the summer.

Conclusion

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Salary/Compensation: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour