Indigo Operator

Description

SUMMARY

The Digital Press Operator is responsible for producing digitally printed client projects in compliance with job specifications while adhering to the high standards of quality that Hatteras is known for. The role runs our HP Indigo B2 sheetfed fleet — the 12000, 15K and 100K — along with our B3 equipment, across coated, uncoated and synthetic stocks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Press set-up and operation. Set up and operate the digital presses — HP Indigo 12000, 15K and 100K — for print jobs, ensuring proper quality and color standards are achieved throughout each run.
• Job and file handling. Load, queue and release jobs through the digital front end (PrintOS Production Pro / SmartStream), confirming imposition, page count, duplex set-up, bleeds and finishing marks against the job ticket before the run starts.
• Color calibration. Properly perform any necessary color calibrations, including ink and image-placement calibration on schedule and whenever stock, conditions or press state change. Verify output against the approved proof, ICC profile and house color standard.
• Ink stations and specialty ElectroInk. Run 4-color, EPM and extended ink-station configurations — IndiChrome and IndiChrome Plus spot colors, Premium White, fluorescents, invisible and digital matte inks — and perform ink changeovers and system purges correctly when switching.
• Substrate set-up. Select and set up feeder and stacker for coated, uncoated, synthetic and heavyweight stocks across the B2 sheet range, including thick-substrate and one-shot modes, priming requirements and certified media handling.
• Quality inspection. Visually inspect images for artefacts (banding, mottling, streaking, ghosting, background) and for color shifts during printing, and make any adjustments as necessary. Monitor automatic defect detection and alerting on the 15K and 100K, and verify that ejected sheets are reprinted and accounted for.
• Image alignment. Make sure images are properly aligned to the sheet in order to ensure consistent cutting, die-cutting, sewing, etc., including front-to-back registration and side-to-side alignment adjustments.
• Non-stop production on the 100K. Keep the 100K in continuous production during long runs — replenishing substrate, ink and consumables and sequencing the queue so high-volume work runs without avoidable stoppages.
• Press maintenance. Maintain proper daily care of machinery, following all safety standards — PIP and blanket replacement, binary ink developer (BID) care, imaging oil and ink levels, cleaning routines and scheduled maintenance. Escalate faults beyond operator level through remote support and the Digital Pressroom Manager.
• Consumables and reporting. Track impressions, consumable usage and waste by job, and flag low stock on inks, blankets, PIPs and imaging oil before it affects the schedule.
• Scheduling. Coordinate with the Digital Pressroom Manager to produce and prioritize jobs and, when necessary, reorganize the schedule to meet deadline changes and updates.
• Various duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• HP Indigo press experience needed — 12000, 15K, 100K or 7600.
• Some experience required and willing to train.
• Familiarity with a digital front end / RIP workflow (PrintOS Production Pro, SmartStream or similar) and the ability to read a job ticket against a proof.
• Working understanding of color management — calibration routines, ICC profiles, spectrophotometer readings and Pantone / extended-gamut matching.
• Operator-level press maintenance ability: PIP and blanket changes, BID handling, ink changeover and jam clearing.
• Having some knowledge of graphic arts and printing industry is very beneficial to this position.
• Working knowledge of digital printing procedures.
• This position also requires a mechanical background, the ability to work independently and good working knowledge of the computer.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match, and other voluntary benefits offered

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute their best work.