Print Production Associate - Large Format

CR & A CUSTOM APPAREL INC; California (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

CR & A CUSTOM APPAREL INC is seeking a Print Production Associate to run large-format print jobs on our production floor. You will operate printers, prepare and finish output, and keep work moving through the queue on schedule and to spec, working with the Print Manager and the rest of the production team.

You’ll be trained on our RIP environment (Caldera/Onyx) and production standards, learn the tools, and develop attention to color, calibration, and quality control while ensuring safe,

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in a print production environment (large-format, commercial, sign shop, or similar; tell us where).
• Working knowledge of print terminology and workflow, from file to finished piece.
• Comfort with software-driven workflows and ability to learn new systems without hand-holding.

Responsibilities

• Set up, run, and monitor large-format print jobs across multiple devices and substrates.
• Load and manage media, inks, and consumables.
• Operate RIP software (Caldera and Onyx) to queue, nest, and output files.
• Run routine calibration and linearization checks to keep output within color tolerance.
• Inspect output for color accuracy, banding, registration, and defects before it moves downstream.
• Handle finishing as needed: trimming, laminating, mounting, packing.
• Work the daily production schedule and flag delays, misprints, or material shortages early.
• Perform daily and weekly printer maintenance: head checks, cleanings, wipe downs.
• Keep the work area, media inventory, and job tickets organized and accurate.

Skills

Print production experience

Print terminology knowledge

Software-driven workflows

Tools

Caldera RIP

Onxy RIP

Job description

Job Description

About the Role

We're hiring a Print Production Associate to run jobs on our large-format production floor. You'll operate our printers, prep and finish output, and keep work moving through the queue on schedule and to spec. You'll be trained on our RIP environment and our production standards, and you'll work alongside the Print Manager and the rest of the production team.

We need someone who already understands the print floor, print terminology, and print workflow, and who's ready to be trained on our specific tools and standards from there.

What You'll Do

• Set up, run, and monitor large-format print jobs across multiple devices and substrates
• Load and manage media, inks, and consumables
• Operate RIP software (Caldera and Onyx) to queue, nest, and output files
• Run routine calibration and linearization checks to keep output within color tolerance
• Inspect output for color accuracy, banding, registration, and defects before it moves downstream
• Handle finishing as needed: trimming, laminating, mounting, packing
• Work the daily production schedule and flag delays, misprints, or material shortages early
• Perform daily and weekly printer maintenance: head checks, cleanings, wipe downs
• Keep the work area, media inventory, and job tickets organized and accurate

What We Need You to Bring on Day One

• Hands-on experience in a print production environment (large-format, commercial, sign shop, or similar; tell us where)
• Working knowledge of print terminology and workflow, from file to finished piece
• Comfort with software-driven workflows. You don't need Caldera or Onyx specifically, but you should pick up new systems without hand-holding
• Strong attention to detail, since color and print quality tolerances leave little room for error
• Reliability and follow-through
• Ability to stand for a full shift and lift up to 50 lbs, including rolled media and mounted panels

Nice to Have (not required)

• Caldera or Onyx RIP experience
• Color profiling, calibration, or G7 exposure
• Finishing equipment experience (laminator, flatbed cutter, CNC router)
• Forklift or pallet jack certification