Printer Prep Technician

Brief Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art can-making technology, this high speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

The Printer Prep Technician is responsible for the routine, high-volume cleaning, handling, and maintenance of the lithographic printing plates (sleeves) and blankets used on the high-speed can decorating lines. This specialized role is crucial for maximizing the life of expensive printing materials, ensuring immediate availability of contamination-free components, and directly supporting print quality in a continuous, 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Essential Job Functions

CLEANING AND PREPARATION

• Execute standardized procedures for the safe and effective cleaning of lithographic printing plates (sleeves) and rubber blankets immediately after use to remove ink, varnish, paper dust, and other contaminants.
• Utilize specialized cleaning solutions, brushes, and equipment (e.g., automated plate cleaners) according to manufacturer and plant specifications.
• Inspect cleaned plates and blankets visually and using magnification devices for any residual ink, damage (scratches, pinholes), or wear before placing them into storage.
• Demount and safely handle delicate plates and blankets from decorator cylinders or mounting equipment, ensuring zero damage during transport and storage.
  
  

QUALITY CONTROL AND INVENTORY SUPPORT

• Immediately report any defects, damage, or excessive wear found during the cleaning and inspection process to the Printer Plate Prep Technician or Decorator Supervisor.
• Assist in the organization and accurate inventory tracking of clean, ready-to-use plates and blankets, ensuring the correct rotation and FIFO (First-In, First-Out) material flow.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the plate cleaning area, adhering to 5S principles.
  
  

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Strictly adhere to all plant safety procedures, including the proper use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling cleaning solvents and chemicals.
• Ensure proper containment, labeling, and disposal of all hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated from the cleaning process, coordinating with the Environmental team.
• Follow all established policies for chemical handling, storage, and mixing.
  
  

CRITICAL AVAILABILITY

• Maintain critical shift availability to ensure the continuous supply of clean, ready-to-use plates and blankets is available to the production lines, supporting continuous, high-speed operation.
  
  

Responsibilities Of All Envases Employees

• Commit to ensuring the health/wellness of our employees and product
• Ensure the jobs/operations are completely safely to protect employees and to ensure the sustainability of
  
  

company equipment/machinery

• Ensure the security of the workforce and sustain any client confidentiality requests
• Deliver timely and efficiently without hindering quality of services and work to ensure the team’s success in
  
  

meeting our client delivery schedules

• Team centered to perform your job successfully while identifying ways to help others be successful too;
  
  

willingness to learn; works at a fast pace, actively pursues tasks or direction; willing to work extended hours

and adapt to changing work schedules as well as assignments; determines what work needs to be done

without instruction; takes action to complete additional work that is beneficial to the team without being

instructed

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to work effectively in a 24/7 environment, including shift work and weekends.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience specifically in can decorating or lithographic printing environments.
• Familiarity with industrial cleaning agents and chemical handling procedures.
  
  

General Skills/Experience

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong visual inspection skills.
• High level of manual dexterity and proven ability to handle delicate materials without causing damage.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality control.
• Good communication skills for relaying inventory status and identifying damaged materials.
• Availability: Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and overtime, as required.
• Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds
• Preference will be given to qualified local candidates
  
  

Software/Computer Skills & Experience

• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Work, Excel, Outlook, Google Workspace, and web-site software
  
  

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Environmental & Physical Factors

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job; Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Hours / Special Conditions

12 hour rotating shifts 4 days on and 4 days off; Rotating shifts requires working night shifts; Present to fulfill job duties & meet operational demands/support; Schedule may vary depending on plant operational needs thus flexibility is required which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime; Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position

Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.