Digital Embellishment & Press Operator (Labels) at Thermal Identification Technologies – Brea, California

We are seeking a detail-oriented Digital Embellishment Specialist to lead our high-end label production. You will be responsible for operating state-of-the-art digital finishing equipment (e.g., MGI, Scodix, Cartes or hybrid inkjet presses) to apply tactile Spot UV, digital foils, and textured coatings. This role requires a unique blend of technical mechanical skills and a "graphic designer’s eye" to ensure luxury-grade quality labels for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Set up, operate, and maintain digital embellishment presses to apply high-build Spot UV and digital foiling.
• File Pre-Flight: Review digital artwork files to ensure spot layers, varnish masks, and foil paths are correctly mapped for the press.
• Color & Registration Management: Achieve perfect registration between the printed digital color base and the decorative embellishment layers.
• Substrate Calibration: Adjust machine settings (corona treatment, pinning, and UV lamp intensity and heat settings) based on various substrates including BOPP, papers, and textured wine stocks.
• Quality Control: Perform continuous visual inspections to identify "pick-outs," foil flaking, or UV orange-peeling, ensuring every roll meets premium quality standards.
• Maintenance: Perform routine daily and weekly maintenance on heads and foil delivery systems to prevent downtime. Maintain a clean working area.

Technical Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2–3 years in digital printing or label converting, specifically working with digital UV inkjet technology.
• Equipment Knowledge: Experience with platforms such as MGI JETvarnish, Scodix, HP Indigo GEM, Cartes or ABG Digicon is highly preferred.
• Software Literacy: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator/Photoshop) to troubleshoot file layers and "trap" embellishments.
• Process Knowledge: Basic understanding of the chemistry between UV inks, varnishes, and foiling films.

Core Competencies

• The "Quality" Eye: Ability to spot defects in prints or foil adhesion that an automated sensor might miss.
• Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot why a foil isn't "releasing" or why a UV varnish is "beading" on a specific synthetic stock or layout.
• Adaptability: Comfortable shifting between high-speed production runs and intricate, low-volume prototype work. Ability to be cross trained on other equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (media rolls).
• Excellent color vision.
• Ability to stand for extended periods in a production environment.