Print Lab Technician

SUMMARY:

A highly skilled and versatile print technician who collaborates across multiple departments to support internal print operations on GF media. This role is responsible for operating and maintaining a range of printers and print lab technologies with unique and diverse ink technologies to support media printing, testing and validation. The technician works closely with QA and R&D teams to evaluate both new and existing GF media, ensuring consistent quality, reliable performance, and accurate test results. Additionally, the position serves as a key point of coordination between departments, helping align print capabilities with testing needs and organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Manage and fulfill all Print Lab Requests (PLR) and LPR’s (Lab Project Requests) that come through the online workflow system, ensuring timely processing, clear communication, and accurate execution.
• Support R&D with testing on all current GF media and new products in development, including training and education of department staff as needed on printers, laminators, software and other print lab technologies.
• Work with Quality Assurance to test any products that require evaluation.
• Work with Product Managers, Production, and Converting when issues arise with GF media that may require thorough testing.
• Work with IT and external technical support resources to troubleshoot issues, maintain printer performance, and ensure all devices are fully operational, properly networked, and communicating correctly.
• Work with Production and Manufacturing Management to ensure ongoing product improvements for GF media, including evaluating changes in supply of sourced liners, adhesive and face films.
• Work with Technical Support and Product Management on the development of Technical Tips and Application Instructions for GF media.
• Support Marketing with print needs as they relate to Trade Shows, Training & Education, and special projects.
• Work with Facilities to produce all internal signage needs.
• Follow all SOP’s related to the above collaborations to maintain a consistent and disciplined process and workflow.
• Individual will have a strong knowledge of printers, RIPS and design software (Adobe), for purposes of printing on GF media and other similar products as needed.
• Knowledge of color management and ICC profile basics are required for color evaluation and comparison as well as consistent print production.
• Provide professional evaluations of printing results as it relates to Returned Material Authorizations (RMA’s), media quality, and new product performance.
• Outsource projects and work with external vendors as needed to fulfill print lab requests that may require special assembly, cutting, and finishing.
• Order ink and supplies for maintenance of all printers, cutters, and laminators.
• Work with Distributors and customers when necessary to evaluate printing issues.
• Maintain Print Lab stock rolls, including the inventory of, rotation and move out process for testing rolls, addressing RMAs rolls and fulfilling print lab requests.
• Monitor RIP updates, ink age and printer maintenance schedules.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Technical knowledge of vinyl applications
• Technical knowledge of printing processes
• Effective listening
• Detail oriented
• Enterprising, driven, and self-motivated
• Decisive, creative, and confident
• Superior time management skills
• Work under pressure/deadlines
• Ability to pivot, prioritize projects

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Candidate must possess:

• Vinyl installation skills and working knowledge of vinyl applications and uses.
• Expertise in digital printing, laminating, and cutting.
• Strong skills in color comparison and evaluation.
• Good visual acuity for spotting material defects.
• General overall vinyl, laminate and mounting film product knowledge.
• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of print production and vinyl installation or equivalent experience in a related industry.
• Ability to effectively communicate with multiple departments, customers, vendors, and industry partners.
• Basic arithmetic skills are required to accurately measure, scale, and calculate settings and job requirements to ensure efficient print production.
• Proficient in Adobe Suite (Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to talk to co-workers and be able to hear questions. The individual is frequently required to stand, walk, and lift. It will also be necessary to be able to use printer control pads and sign making tools such as knives, tweezers, and heat guns.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 60 lbs. (assistance will be available when needed to lift and move these items). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close up vision, distance vision and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must be able to travel on an airplane and drive an automobile (rental) in certain unique situations.

The printing work area will have certain non-toxic smells and odors that are typical of inks and PVC’s. The printers do produce minimal noise, but nothing requiring ear buds or headphones.