Sublimation Lead

A&K Designs, Inc; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Job summary

A&K Designs, Inc is seeking a Sublimation Lead to drive our fast-paced production environment. You’ll be the go-to expert for sublimation, from artwork to troubleshooting equipment and meeting deadlines.

The role blends artistry with technical production, requiring precision color work, problem-solving, and cross-department collaboration. Regular hours are Monday–Friday with potential early shifts in a creative, inclusive shop.

Qualifications

• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills (Photoshop experience is a bonus).
• Experience with sublimation printing, production graphics, or technical manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Optitex, CAD, apparel pattern software, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of sublimation printers, heat presses, roller presses, and production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Create and edit Adobe Illustrator files for patches, wordmarks, numbers, and custom graphics.
• Build and support sublimation files using Optitex pattern software.
• Operate, support, and troubleshoot sublimation printers.
• Solve file, print, cutting, and pressing issues before they become production headaches.
• Support rush orders and critical deadlines.

Job description

Benefits

• Medical
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance

Turn Blank Apparel Into Works of Art

Do you speak fluent Illustrator? Get excited about perfect color matches? Love solving technical puzzles and keeping production humming? If so, we may have the perfect role for you.

We're looking for a Sublimation Lead to help drive our fast-paced production environment. You'll be the go-to expert for all things sublimation, from creating production-ready artwork and troubleshooting equipment to helping the team hit critical deadlines. Think part artist, part technician, part problem-solver, and part production superhero.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Create and edit Adobe Illustrator files for patches, wordmarks, numbers, and custom graphics
• Build and support sublimation files using Optitex pattern software
• Operate, support, and troubleshoot sublimation printers
• Solve file, print, cutting, and pressing issues before they become production headaches
• Support rush orders and critical deadlines
• Identify potential risks early and communicate solutions to keep projects moving
• Match colors with precision and apply color theory knowledge to maintain consistency
• Ensure every product meets quality standards and customer expectations
• Maintain expertise on approved fabrics, colors, adhesives, and product-specific specifications
• Partner with production teams across departments to ensure smooth workflow from print to press to laser

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills (Photoshop experience is a bonus)
• Experience with sublimation printing, production graphics, or technical manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Optitex, CAD, apparel pattern software, or similar platforms
• Knowledge of sublimation printers, heat presses, roller presses, and production workflows
• Excellent color perception and ability to meet color-vision requirements
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail for artwork, colors, fabrics, and production specifications
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel and Outlook/Teams skills
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
• Committed to working in a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative workplace
• Associate degree in Graphic Design, apparel/pattern technology, manufacturing technology, or equivalent work experience preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in Sublimation, graphics production, apparel manufacturing, printing, or a similar production environment

Why You'll Love This Role

Every day is different. One minute you're perfecting a color match, the next you're solving a printer mystery, supporting a rush order, or helping bring a custom design to life. If you enjoy combining creativity, technology, and hands‑on production work, you'll thrive here.

Our regular work schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:00am to 3:15pm and Friday, 6:00am to 11:00am

Compensation: $21.50 - $29.00 per hour