Printing Assistant Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale! The Printing Assistant is responsible for the setup, operation, and routine maintenance of digital printing, wide-format, finishing, and cutting equipment used to produce a variety of printed materials. The position primarily operates digital direct-to-substrate UV flatbed and roll-to-roll wide-format printers, CNC digital cutters, and other digital production and finishing equipment. The Printing Assistant will: Operate and maintain digital UV flatbed, roll-to-roll wide-format printers, high-speed digital presses, CNC digital cutters, and other finishing equipment. Produce graphics on a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates, including metals, plastics, boards, synthetics, vinyl, banners, canvas, and other specialty materials. Prepare, inspect, and troubleshoot production files in a variety of formats, ensuring jobs meet specifications outlined on the job ticket and comply with applicable brand guidelines. Operate and troubleshoot RIP and digital printing software and maintain appropriate printer settings, production profiles, and color management standards. Perform color calibration and as required to maintain consistent and accurate color reproduction. Perform graphics installations, including site surveys to evaluate installation locations, identify required surface preparation, determine appropriate installation methods, and assess potential installation challenges. Remove existing vinyl and graphics and perform necessary surface preparation prior to installation. Thoroughly inspect printed materials before production and completed installations to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications. Prioritize daily workloads and adjust production activities as deadlines and departmental priorities change. Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and care of equipment and follow all required safety procedures and manufacturer guidelines. Maintain proficiency in Microsoft Office, MIS systems, digital production software, and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Work collaboratively with production staff and provide backup coverage across other areas of the print production operation as needed. Maintain the security and confidentiality of client materials and information and ensure customer property and finished work are handled, stored, and delivered in clean and undamaged condition. Provide professional and responsive service to internal and external customers and communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and clients. Participate in cross-training and develop proficiency in multiple areas of print production to support departmental operations. Safely operate and maintain production equipment and follow established safety procedures.
Principal Responsibilities:
Schedules, sets up, operates, and maintains machinery for the production of printed material through typesetting, binding, lithography, and specialized offset printing.
Provides information to clients on style, format, ink, and type selection and lay-out.
Determines methods and materials for production.
Monitors jobs for accuracy, completeness and quality.
Makes adjustments to produce highest quality results.
Maintains and repairs equipment. Identifies and repairs malfunctions.
May order necessary supplies and materials.
Performs additional functions incidental to printing service activities.
Required Skills and Abilities:
Must be able to operate complex equipment including the equipment listed in the Position Focus in digital print production with minimal direction or instruction. Demonstrated multitasking ability and able to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure of deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality. References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality. Vinyl graphic installation skills for preparation and application. Skills to identify vinyl material to use for the determined application during installation. Knowledge of printing and mounting substrate materials. Mechanical skills and experience in troubleshooting complex issues and using tools at an advanced level. Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite. Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Must understand and have experience in RIP workflows, color management, color calibration, ICC profiles, nesting, scaling, tiling, and print/cut setup. Preferred Education, Experience and Skills: Experience operating, digital presses, flatbed printers, roll to roll wide format printers, vinyl cutters, and CNC digital cutters.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry 75 lbs. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to work from ladders, lifts, and other elevated work platforms when properly trained and authorized.
