Pre-Press / Digital Print Operator

Hartlauer Signs – Las Vegas, NV
Full-Time

Hartlauer Signs is a full-service commercial sign company in Las Vegas specializing in custom architectural signage, casino signage, large-format graphics, illuminated signs, plaques, ADA signage, and specialty fabrication.

We are looking for an experienced Pre-Press / Digital Print Operator to join our Graphics & Vinyl Department. This position is responsible for preparing production files, operating our large-format and UV printing equipment, running laminating equipment, maintaining print quality, and moving projects accurately from approved artwork through graphics production.

This is a hands-on production position. The ideal candidate understands both the computer side and production side of sign graphics and can identify potential problems before material and labor are wasted.

Primary Equipment

This position will regularly work with:

HP 700W 60” roll-to-roll large-format printer
UV printer used for plaques and specialty products
Heated roll laminator
Large-format graphics production and finishing equipment
Computer workstations running design and RIP software

Our Vinyl Department also utilizes Graphtec plotters; however, operation of the plotters is handled by the Vinyl Department Lead.

Software

The position regularly works with:

CorelDRAW
Adobe Illustrator
Flexi Design
ONYX RIP Software

Experience with Adobe Photoshop or other Adobe Creative Cloud programs is also helpful.

Candidates do not need to be experts in every program, but they should have a strong understanding of vector and raster artwork and be comfortable learning and working within an established sign-production workflow.

Pre-Press Responsibilities

Review approved artwork and production files before printing or releasing files for vinyl production.
Prepare files for large-format digital printing, UV printing, vinyl cutting, lamination, and other graphics production.
Verify dimensions, scale, resolution, colors, fonts, spelling, quantities, orientation, and materials.
Set up bleeds, contour cut paths, registration marks, overlaps, paneling, and nesting.
Prepare accurate cut-ready files for the Vinyl Department Lead.
Prepare artwork for decals, wall graphics, window graphics, banners, sign faces, plaques, ADA products, and specialty signage.
Clean up and troubleshoot customer-provided artwork when required.
Convert files between appropriate production formats.
Properly nest artwork to maximize material usage and reduce waste.
Review production drawings and job specifications before beginning production.
Identify discrepancies between artwork, drawings, dimensions, and production requirements.
Stop and ask questions when information is unclear or appears incorrect.
Maintain organized production files and follow company file-naming and job-tracking procedures.
Coordinate with the Vinyl Department Lead when cut files, registration, or production setup requires clarification.

Large-Format Printing

Set up and operate the HP 700W 60” roll-to-roll large-format printer.
Load and unload vinyl, banner material, adhesive films, and other printable media.
Use ONYX RIP software to prepare, process, nest, and manage print jobs.
Select appropriate media profiles, print modes, resolution, passes, and production settings.
Set up and manage white ink printing when required.
Monitor prints for color consistency, banding, registration, defects, and other quality concerns.
Perform test prints and make production adjustments when necessary.
Verify that printed graphics match approved artwork and production drawings.
Track material usage and minimize unnecessary waste.
Perform routine cleaning and operator-level printer maintenance.
Maintain a clean and organized print-production area.

UV Printing / Plaque Production

Set up and operate our UV printer for plaques, identification signage, and specialty products.
Prepare artwork and production files specifically for direct-to-substrate UV printing.
Accurately position substrates, plaques, and fixtures before printing.
Verify print location, alignment, dimensions, and orientation.
Set up color, white ink, and layered printing when required.
Produce plaques and specialty products according to approved artwork and production specifications.
Inspect completed products for print quality, adhesion, alignment, color, and overall appearance.
Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of UV printing equipment.

Lamination & Finishing

Set up and operate the heated roll laminator.
Laminate printed graphics using the appropriate laminate for each application.
Maintain proper tension, pressure, temperature, and alignment.
Prevent wrinkles, silvering, tracking issues, bubbles, and contamination.
Trim, finish, and prepare completed graphics for the next stage of production.
Inspect laminated graphics for defects before releasing them.

Coordination With Vinyl Department

Prepare complete and accurate files for vinyl cutting and graphics production.
Provide proper cut paths, registration marks, paneling, and production information.
Coordinate with the Vinyl Department Lead regarding vinyl production requirements.
Make file corrections or revisions when production issues are identified.
Ensure files are production-ready before being turned over to the Vinyl Department.
The Vinyl Department Lead is responsible for operating the Graphtec plotters and managing vinyl cutting production.

Quality Control

Inspect files before production and finished graphics before releasing them to the next department.
Verify dimensions, quantities, spelling, colors, materials, orientation, cut paths, print quality, lamination quality, and finished appearance.
Compare finished products against approved artwork and production drawings.
Confirm the correct substrate, vinyl, laminate, and other materials are being used.
Catch mistakes before they become costly production problems.
Follow Hartlauer Signs production and quality-control procedures.

Qualifications

Previous experience in pre-press, sign production, large-format digital printing, UV printing, or commercial graphics production preferred.
Sign-industry experience is highly preferred.
Experience with CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, Flexi Design, and/or ONYX preferred.
Experience operating HP large-format printers is preferred.
Experience with roll laminators is preferred.
UV printer experience is a plus.
Strong understanding of vector and raster artwork.
Understanding of CMYK printing, white ink, color management, resolution, fonts, bleeds, cut paths, and print production.
Ability to accurately read dimensions and measurements.
Ability to work from approved production drawings.
Strong computer and digital file-management skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple jobs and changing production priorities.
Ability to troubleshoot production files and equipment-related issues.
Willingness to stop and ask questions rather than continue when something does not look correct.
Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with other departments.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods.
Ability to bend, reach, and work around production equipment.
Ability to safely lift and move rolls of vinyl, laminate, substrates, plaques, and finished graphics.
Ability to load and unload media from printing and finishing equipment.
Ability to work in an active manufacturing and production environment.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work and understands that accuracy comes before speed.

This position is more than simply sending a file to a printer. We need someone who can look at a production file, understand how the finished product will actually be manufactured, recognize when something does not look right, and address the issue before material, labor, and production time are wasted.

A successful operator should be equally comfortable working at a computer preparing files and on the production floor operating printers, UV printing equipment, laminating equipment, and finishing graphics.

This position works closely with our Graphics Department, Vinyl Department Lead, Art Department, Project Management team, and Production Department. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Hartlauer Signs produces a wide variety of custom signage. This is not a repetitive print-shop position. Projects can include large-format vinyl graphics, casino signage, wall graphics, window graphics, plaques, direct-to-substrate UV printing, architectural signage, sign faces, and other custom graphics products.

Schedule

Full-time
Monday through Friday
Day shift

Benefits

Benefits and compensation will be discussed based on experience.

Experience in the sign, large-format graphics, UV printing, or commercial printing industry is preferred.

Hartlauer Signs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $30