Print Operator

Role Overview

The Print Operator is the central production role within Pink Sparrow’s Print Department, responsible for executing daily print production across all print and cut equipment. This role oversees file intake, RIP processing, print execution, cutting, and finishing support while actively prioritizing work based on project timelines. The Print Operator plays a key role in establishing and maintaining workflows, standards, and best practices as the department is built from the ground up. This role reports to the Associate Director of Print Operations.

Department Responsibilities:

- Communicate production status clearly as appropriate with leadership, Project Management, Design, Fabrication, Scenic, and Warehouse teams
- Support equipment and processes training and onboarding of additional print staff as the department develops
- Track job progress and flag potential delays or issues early
- Collaborate with leadership to refine timelines, capacity planning, material usage, and best practices
- Own production execution quality and efficiency by minimizing production errors and material waste through strong attention to detail and continual QC, proactively identifying risks that could impact schedule, budget, or downstream installation
- Consistently manage multiple tasks on multiple machines for simultaneous project production, working both independently and collaboratively

Project Planning & Pre-Press:

- Plan and communicate production timelines for each project and alert department leadership with any file or timeline concerns
- Intake client-supplied and production-ready files and verify:
-Correct sizing, scaling, and bleed
-Proper layer structure for print, cut, and mask paths
-File compatibility with RIP and cutting software
- Process files through RIP software, selecting appropriate materials, color profiles, and machine settings
- PMS color match swatch charts and proofing as required for each project

Print Production Execution:

- Execute printing, cutting, and finishing as required for each project
- Prioritize production schedules based on project due dates and downstream finishing needs
- Maintain clear production progress in project tracking systems
- Follow proper procedures for all equipment and maintain a clean, organized shop during project production, including safe handling and storage of print materials/chemicals.

Equipment Ownership & Reliability:

- Own day-to-day equipment readiness across print, cut, and finishing tools, including routine maintenance, calibration, - troubleshooting, and coordination of service needs.
- Maintain basic maintenance/usage logs and consumable readiness to support uptime, consistency, and safe operation as the department scales.
- Support evolving equipment standards, workflows, and SOPs as new tools, substrates, or production methods are introduced.

Organizational Alignment & Accountability:

- Actively support company-wide initiatives, operational improvements, and strategic growth efforts as Pink Sparrow continues to evolve.
- Uphold all company policies, safety standards, and production best practices, contributing to a disciplined, accountable, and high-performing environment.
- Demonstrate flexibility, ownership, and a team-first mindset by taking on additional responsibilities as needed to ensure successful project execution and overall company performance.

The ideal candidate will have:

- 3+ years experience in large-format printing environments, preferred print experience within a fabrication shop
- Extensive knowledge of a wide variety of digital print production processes from pre-press to finishing (roll to roll printers, large format printers, flat bed printers, flat bed cutters, laminators, etc.)
- Experience printing on a variety of substrates such as vinyl, fabric, rigid panels, and specialty materials
- Strong understanding of print production workflows, Adobe Illustrator, RIP software, and cut paths
- Strong color vision and color matching skills
- High level of organization, adaptability, and problem-solving ability
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop environment
- Ability to work nights or weekends as project schedules require