Screen Print Operator

SPACECRAFT PRODUCT LAB LLC; Vernon (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

SPACECRAFT PRODUCT LAB LLC is seeking a detail-oriented screen printing operator to join our Vernon, CA production team. You will set up and operate automatic and manual presses, verify orders, and ensure precise registration and color accuracy across runs.

You will monitor quality, minimize waste, and collaborate with Prepress, Ink Mixing, Embroidery, Sewing, and Shipping to sustain flow. The role requires physical stamina and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• 2+ years operating automatic or manual screen printing presses.
• Experience printing plastisol and/or water-based inks.
• Strong understanding of screen registration, ink deposits, curing, and garment handling.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a production environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate automatic and manual screen printing presses.
• Review work orders and verify garment styles, ink colors, artwork, and print placement before production.
• Achieve accurate registration and maintain print consistency throughout production runs.
• Monitor print quality continuously and make adjustments as needed.
• Produce work that meets SPL quality standards while maintaining production goals.
• Minimize waste through careful setup and efficient production practices.
• Perform daily startup and shutdown procedures.
• Clean and maintain presses, squeegees, flood bars, platens, and related equipment.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and identify equipment issues before they impact production.
• Report maintenance needs promptly.
• Inspect garments throughout each production run.
• Verify color consistency, registration, curing, and overall print quality.
• Remove defective garments before they move to the next production stage.
• Maintain accurate production counts and documentation.
• Work closely with Prepress, Ink Mixing, Embroidery, Sewing, and Shipping departments to keep production flowing efficiently.
• Help prioritize rush orders and schedule changes.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and staging garments when necessary.
• Cross-train in other production areas as business needs require.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all safety procedures regarding machinery, chemicals, and inks.
• Wear required PPE when appropriate.
• Help maintain an organized production floor following 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Mechanical Aptitude

Quality Focus

Time Management

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Reliability

Adaptability

Accountability

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

M&R automatic presses

Lean Manufacturing systems

Job description

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, and thrives in a fast-paced production environment where quality and efficiency are equally important.

Key Responsibilities

Screen Printing Operations

• Set up and operate automatic and manual screen printing presses.
• Review work orders and verify garment styles, ink colors, artwork, and print placement before production.
• Achieve accurate registration and maintain print consistency throughout production runs.
• Monitor print quality continuously and make adjustments as needed.
• Produce work that meets SPL quality standards while maintaining production goals.
• Minimize waste through careful setup and efficient production practices.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Perform daily startup and shutdown procedures.
• Clean and maintain presses, squeegees, flood bars, platens, and related equipment.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and identify equipment issues before they impact production.
• Report maintenance needs promptly.

Quality Control

• Inspect garments throughout each production run.
• Verify color consistency, registration, curing, and overall print quality.
• Remove defective garments before they move to the next production stage.
• Maintain accurate production counts and documentation.

Production Support

• Work closely with Prepress, Ink Mixing, Embroidery, Sewing, and Shipping departments to keep production flowing efficiently.
• Help prioritize rush orders and schedule changes.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and staging garments when necessary.
• Cross-train in other production areas as business needs require.

Safety & Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all safety procedures regarding machinery, chemicals, and inks.
• Wear required PPE when appropriate.
• Help maintain an organized production floor following 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years operating automatic or manual screen printing presses.
• Experience printing plastisol and/or water-based inks.
• Strong understanding of screen registration, ink deposits, curing, and garment handling.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot common print quality issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a production environment.

Preferred

• Experience with M&R automatic presses (Sportsman, Challenger, etc.).
• Experience with automatic dryers and flash units.
• Basic screen reclaim and setup knowledge.
• Experience working in high-volume contract decorating.
• Familiarity with production tracking systems and Lean Manufacturing practices. Similar high-volume apparel decorators emphasize operators who can maintain quality while meeting production targets and collaborating across departments.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Quality Focus
• Time Management
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Reliability
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and move garments, screens, and supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with heat, noise, inks, and production equipment.