Screen Print Operator
Screen Print Press Operator Lead (Temp-to-Perm)
Location: Fitchburg, MA
Job Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Perm
Pay Range: $25–$30 per hour
Job Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Perm
Pay Range: $25–$30 per hour
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Screen Print Press Operator Lead to take ownership of our screen printing operations and help drive a high-mix, high-quality production environment. In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert on the press line—setting up and running automated equipment, coaching operators, and making sure every print that leaves your area meets rigorous quality standards.
This is an on-site, temp-to-perm position at our Fitchburg, Massachusetts facility, with the opportunity to transition to a regular full-time role based on performance, attendance, and business needs.
Why This Role is Compelling
- Step into a lead position where your decisions directly impact quality, throughput, and team performance.
- Work with automated, multi-color screen printing presses and gain deep exposure to our end-to-end production process.
- Collaborate with a tight-knit team of production professionals who take pride in craftsmanship, precision, and continuous improvement.
- Temp-to-perm path gives you the opportunity to prove yourself and grow into a long-term role.
What You’ll Do
As the Screen Print Press Operator Lead, you’ll combine hands-on machine operation with day-to-day leadership responsibilities. Key duties include:
- Machine Operation
- Set up, operate, and monitor automated/multi-color screen printing presses and related auxiliary equipment.
- Retrieve, stage, and organize printed parts for additional passes, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Quality Control
- Perform regular quality checks to confirm prints meet customer specifications and internal standards.
- Use tools and methods such as crosshatch tests to verify ink adhesion and compare output against blue lines or proofs for correct sizing and registration.
- Troubleshooting
- Quickly identify and resolve issues related to equipment, inks, screens, or print quality.
- Adjust settings and processes to minimize downtime and scrap.
- Team Leadership
- Train, coach, and support press operators and other team members; share best practices and reinforce SOPs.
- Help coordinate workloads and priorities to ensure production goals are met.
- May directly oversee a team of up to 4 employees, promoting a safe, organized, and collaborative work environment.
- Maintenance & Repair
- Perform routine cleaning of ink fountains, plates, cylinders, screens, and other press components.
- Conduct minor repairs using hand tools and promptly escalate significant equipment issues to management or maintenance.
- Documentation & Tracking
- Record printed colors, ink usage, and relevant job data using computer systems and established record-keeping procedures.
- Verify that inks, substrates, and materials match job specifications.
- Production Oversight
- Review job orders to determine quantities, stock type, colors, special instructions, and quality requirements.
- Confirm that all materials meet print and regulatory requirements.
- Inventory & Organization
- Monitor inventory levels of inks, screens, substrates, and consumables; request resupply as needed.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe production area.
- Environmental Monitoring
- Monitor and adjust environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature) to optimize press and ink performance.
- Other Duties
- Perform other tasks as requested, directed, or assigned to support production needs.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience
- At least 3 years of printing experience, including automatic press operation.
- Strong preference for screen printing experience; apparel printing experience will be considered.
- Education
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Leadership & Communication
- Demonstrated ability to lead by example in a production environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for working with operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
- Technical Aptitude
- Solid understanding of basic printing technologies, especially screen printing.
- Ability to make precise mechanical and process adjustments to achieve desired results.
- Attention to Detail & Quality Mindset
- Meticulous approach to quality control with a commitment to producing accurate, consistent, and visually flawless prints.
- Problem-Solving & Independence
- Proven ability to identify root causes of print or equipment issues and implement effective corrective actions.
- Comfortable working independently within established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Safety & Compliance Focus
- Strong commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following safety policies, quality procedures, work instructions, and ISO 9000 standards.
- Familiarity with ITAR or similar regulatory environments is a plus; willingness to comply is required.
Eligibility & Background
- Due to ITAR and/or CUI compliance, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident Alien, or Protected Individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
- Candidates under consideration must successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
#IND3
Posted: 11/25/2025 8:52:21 PM
Type: Contract to Perm
Salary: $25.00 – $30.00
Category: Industrial
Department:
Location: Fitchburg MA
Ardent Office: Marlborough
Job ID: JC379859924
